Ingredient review

Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake

INCI: Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake

A widely used blue pigment that adds color to makeup and bath products; generally safe but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake is a synthetic blue pigment made by combining a blue dye with aluminum. It's used in cosmetics to create blue, purple, or green shades. Think of it like a tiny colored particle that sits on the surface of your skin or product, giving it a pretty hue. It doesn't do anything for your skin's health—it's purely for appearance.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A synthetic colorant from the 'lake' family, where a water-soluble dye (Acid Blue 74, also known as Indigo Carmine) is precipitated onto an aluminum hydroxide substrate to create an insoluble pigment. This makes it stable in oils and waxes, ideal for lipsticks and pressed powders.

How it works

The pigment particles reflect and absorb specific wavelengths of light, making the product appear blue. Because it's insoluble, it stays suspended in the formula and doesn't bleed or migrate into other areas of the skin or product.

Pros

Vibrant color payoff

Gives a strong, true blue hue that stays consistent across different product types, from lipsticks to eyeshadows.

Good stability

Resists fading and bleeding in oil-based or wax-based formulas, so your makeup stays looking fresh longer.

Cons and cautions

No skin benefit

This ingredient is purely decorative—it won't hydrate, soothe, or protect your skin in any way.

Potential for staining

In high concentrations or on porous skin, it may leave a temporary blue tint that can be hard to wash off.

Best for

  • Anyone who wants blue or purple makeup shades
  • People who enjoy colorful cosmetics and bath products

Use caution if

  • Those with known sensitivity to synthetic colorants (rare)
  • People seeking skincare benefits from their color cosmetics

Usage tips

Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering the formula or causing staining.
Pair with complementary pigments (e.g., yellow or red) to create custom shades like teal or purple.

Safety summary

Generally recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, but it is considered low-irritant and non-comedogenic.

Research notes

Studies focus on its use as a food and cosmetic dye; no significant evidence of toxicity at cosmetic levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe for use in cosmetics.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically used at very low levels (less than 1%) to achieve desired color.
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (as CI 73015) with concentration limits in some categories. Always check local regulations.
Common uses
Eyeshadows, Lipsticks, Blushes, Nail polishes, Soaps, Bath products
Environmental note
Synthetic colorants are derived from petrochemical sources and may not be biodegradable. Some manufacturers are moving toward plant-based alternatives.

Good to know

  • This is the lake form of FD&C Blue No. 2, which is approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics and drugs.
  • Lake pigments are more opaque and stable than their dye counterparts, making them ideal for lip and eye products.

Common questions

What is Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake in beauty products?

Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake is a synthetic blue pigment made by combining a blue dye with aluminum. It's used in cosmetics to create blue, purple, or green shades. Think of it like a tiny colored particle that sits on the surface of your skin or product, giving it a pretty hue. It doesn't do anything for your skin's health—it's purely for appearance.

What does Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake do in a beauty product?

The pigment particles reflect and absorb specific wavelengths of light, making the product appear blue. Because it's insoluble, it stays suspended in the formula and doesn't bleed or migrate into other areas of the skin or product.

Is Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake safe for most people?

Generally recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, but it is considered low-irritant and non-comedogenic.

Who should be careful with Acid Blue 74 Aluminum Lake?

Those with known sensitivity to synthetic colorants (rare) People seeking skincare benefits from their color cosmetics

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of Acid Blue 74OpenFDA - Color Additives Permitted for Use in CosmeticsOpenPubChem - Acid Blue 74Open

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.