Naphthol reds are a family of synthetic organic pigments developed in the early 20th century as the first viable replacements for cadmium red. Named after naphthol (beta-naphthol), the chemical precursor used in their synthesis.

Naphthol reds sit between cadmium red and alizarin crimson — warm and opaque but with more subtlety than cadmium. They are workhorse reds: reliable, versatile, uncomplicated.

The introduction of naphthol reds democratised artist painting — suddenly vibrant, reasonably permanent reds became affordable. This contributed significantly to the explosion of amateur and hobby painting in the mid-20th century.