Ingredient review

Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake

INCI: Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake

A widely approved synthetic blue pigment that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake is a man-made blue pigment. It is created by combining a blue dye (Acid Blue 9) with aluminum salts to form a stable, water-resistant powder. This lake form is used in cosmetics like eyeshadows, lipsticks, and nail polishes to give them a bright blue color that doesn't bleed or run when applied to the skin. It is not a moisturizer, antioxidant, or active skincare ingredient—it is purely for color.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Acid Blue 9 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 9 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

strong

There is a stronger practical or research basis for the ingredient role described here.

What it is

A synthetic pigment derived from coal tar or petroleum, processed with aluminum hydroxide to create an insoluble lake pigment. It is the aluminum salt form of FD&C Blue No. 1, a common food and cosmetic dye.

How it works

As a lake pigment, it is dispersed in the product base (e.g., oil, wax, or powder) and sits on the skin's surface, reflecting blue light to create color. Its insolubility in water and oil helps it stay put on the skin without migrating or fading quickly.

Pros

Vibrant and stable color

Delivers a bright, consistent blue shade that resists fading and bleeding in makeup products.

Widely approved and tested

Approved by the FDA and EU for use in cosmetics, with a long history of safe use at low concentrations.

Cons and cautions

Purely cosmetic, no skin benefit

Adds color only—does not hydrate, protect, or improve skin health.

Potential for staining

Can temporarily stain skin or clothing, especially in high-concentration products like eyeshadows or lipsticks.

Best for

  • Anyone wanting a blue color in their makeup
  • People who prefer synthetic colorants over natural ones for consistency

Use caution if

  • Those with known allergies to coal-tar dyes (rare)
  • Individuals seeking skincare benefits from their color cosmetics

Usage tips

Use a makeup primer to help prevent color transfer and staining.
Remove blue makeup thoroughly with an oil-based cleanser to avoid residue.

Safety summary

Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical low concentrations by major regulatory bodies. Rare allergic reactions or skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals. Avoid eye contact in powder form.

Research notes

Extensive safety data supports its use as a cosmetic colorant. Studies show very low skin penetration and minimal irritation potential when used as intended.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically used at very low levels, often less than 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (as CI 42090) with concentration limits for certain products. Always check local regulations.
Common uses
Eyeshadows, Lipsticks, Nail polishes, Soaps, Bath products
Environmental note
Synthetic colorants like this are derived from non-renewable resources and may not be biodegradable. Some concerns exist about their release into waterways.

Good to know

  • The 'Lake' in the name means the dye has been made insoluble, so it won't dissolve in water or oil.
  • It is often listed as 'Blue 1 Lake' on US product labels.

Common questions

What is Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake in beauty products?

Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake is a man-made blue pigment. It is created by combining a blue dye (Acid Blue 9) with aluminum salts to form a stable, water-resistant powder. This lake form is used in cosmetics like eyeshadows, lipsticks, and nail polishes to give them a bright blue color that doesn't bleed or run when applied to the skin. It is not a moisturizer, antioxidant, or active skincare ingredient—it is purely for color.

What does Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake do in a beauty product?

As a lake pigment, it is dispersed in the product base (e.g., oil, wax, or powder) and sits on the skin's surface, reflecting blue light to create color. Its insolubility in water and oil helps it stay put on the skin without migrating or fading quickly.

Is Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake safe for most people?

Considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical low concentrations by major regulatory bodies. Rare allergic reactions or skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals. Avoid eye contact in powder form.

Who should be careful with Acid Blue 9 Aluminum Lake?

Those with known allergies to coal-tar dyes (rare) Individuals seeking skincare benefits from their color cosmetics

Research sources

FDA Summary of Color AdditivesOpenCosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Safety AssessmentOpenPubChem Compound Summary for Acid Blue 9Open

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.