Is Basic Red 2 vegetarian?
Basic Red 2
Safranin O is a synthetic biological stain used in histology and cytology as a counterstain, colouring cell nuclei red. It is a classic counterstain in Gram staining and endospore staining, and is also used to detect cartilage, mucin, and mast cell granules.
| Also known as | 3,7-diamino-2,8-dimethyl-5-phenylphenazinium chloride (CI 50240), Basic Red 2, Phenazinium, 3,7-diamino-2,8-dimethyl-5-phenyl-, Safranin, Safranine |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Basic Red 2 |
| CAS number | 477-73-6 |
| EC number | 207-518-8 |
| CI number | CI 50240 |
| CosIng ID | 32077 |
| Last reviewed | 3 June 2026 |
An ingredient is considered vegetarian if it avoids components derived from killing an animal.
Classifications are made to the best of our knowledge based on available scientific and regulatory sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every entry, errors in the sources we draw from can always occur. This tool also cannot account for cross-contamination, which depends entirely on individual suppliers and producers. If you believe a classification is incorrect, you can report an issue.
