Methylene blue is one of the most famous synthetic dyes in the history of chemistry. VITATEKA Methylene Blue 1% 100 ml is an aqueous solution of the dye, a deep blue colour. Let us stress the main point right away: this is a chemical — a dye and a biological stain, not a food supplement, a cosmetic or a medicine — so it must be handled carefully and by the rules.

What this substance is

Methylene blue (chemical formula C16H18ClN3S; in the colour index C.I. Basic Blue 9, CAS 61-73-4) was first produced and patented back in 1876 and is considered one of the earliest fully synthetic «coal-tar» dyes. Since then it has been used in many different fields — from histology and microbiology to the textile industry.

It is a technical chemical substance — a dye. It is not a medicine, a cosmetic or a food supplement.

Composition and properties

  • Composition: methylene blue (C.I. Basic Blue 9), water. A 1% aqueous solution.
  • Volume: 100 ml.
  • Appearance: a clear, deep blue liquid.
  • Odour: practically odourless; miscible with water.

It is a strong dye: even when diluted it stains skin, fabric, glassware and surfaces intensely and persistently. This is a normal property of a dye and worth keeping in mind when handling it.

Where methylene blue is used

According to the manufacturer's information, the product is positioned as a dye and a biological stain. The traditional uses of such a dye are:

  • Histology, microbiology and biology — as a contrast stain to make cell structures and nucleic acids visible under a microscope.
  • The textile industry — as a blue dye.

We describe precisely these declared «staining» uses — they are not health claims.

An important note on wording

The manufacturer states plainly that, under EU law, it is not allowed to make any healing claims or to describe specific applications for this product. For that reason, this article likewise makes no health claims and recommends no methods of use. For information about the product and its application, please consult specialist websites and the relevant literature.

How to handle it

  • Remember that this is a persistent dye: protect clothing, your work surface and your skin — the stains are hard to remove.
  • Work carefully, use gloves if needed and cover the work area.
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the product; wash your hands afterwards.
  • Keep it separate from food and eating utensils.

Safety precautions

  • This is a chemical substance — handle it carefully.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Harmful if swallowed — not intended for internal use.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes; if contact occurs, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing. If irritation persists, get medical advice.
  • If medical help is needed, show the product packaging or label if possible.
  • Dispose of the contents and/or packaging through the separate-collection system in your town.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed bottle, in a cool, dry and dark place at +5 °C to +25 °C, away from food and out of the reach of children.

Related VITATEKA products

Where to look in the catalogue

Browse the sections Antiseptics, solutions and special products, Cosmeceuticals, Cosmetics, Skin recovery and protection and Body care.

Read more on the blog

Where to buy

VITATEKA Methylene Blue 1% 100 ml and other special products are available in the VITATEKA catalogue with delivery. Open the product page.

A chemical substance — a dye and a biological stain. It is not a medicine, a cosmetic or a food supplement. Not intended for internal use. The manufacturer makes no healing claims and describes no specific applications; for information, consult the relevant specialist literature. Read the information on the packaging before use.