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Yellow 5 Lake

Description

Yellow 5 Lake, also known as Tartrazine Lake or CI 19140:1, is a synthetic colorant widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. This water-insoluble pigment is derived from the water-soluble dye Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) through a laking process, which involves precipitating the dye onto an inert substrate, typically alumina.

The resulting pigment offers enhanced stability and color uniformity compared to its water-soluble counterpart. Yellow 5 Lake imparts a vibrant yellow hue to various cosmetic formulations, including makeup, skincare, and hair care products. Its insoluble nature makes it particularly suitable for oil-based and anhydrous formulations.

While generally considered safe for topical use, Yellow 5 Lake may cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of individuals, particularly those sensitive to aspirin or with existing skin conditions. Regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EU Commission, have approved its use in cosmetics within specified concentration limits.

Formulators should be aware of potential color variations depending on the substrate used in the laking process and consider pH stability when incorporating Yellow 5 Lake into products. This pigment is often combined with other colorants to achieve desired shades and effects in cosmetic applications.