In vitro dermal absorption and metabolism of D&C red no. 17 in human and porcineskin.

D&C red no. 17 is approved for use in externally applied drug and cosmetic applications, in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice. Concerns about the safety of the color additive (1-[4-phenylazophenylazo]-2-napthol (PAN) is the primary color constituent) have been raised due to potential metabolic cleavage of PAN to yield 4-aminoazobenzene.