Ingredient review

Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake

INCI: Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake

A safe, widely used synthetic red pigment that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake is a man-made pigment that gives a red color to makeup products like lipstick and blush. It's made by combining a red dye with aluminum to create a stable, water-resistant powder that won't bleed or fade easily. Think of it as a coloring agent—like food coloring for your cosmetics—that doesn't treat or improve your skin.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Acid Red 14 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 Red 14 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 organic pigment derived from Acid Red 14 dye, bound to an aluminum salt (lake) to make it insoluble and stable in oils and waxes.

How it works

It sits on the surface of the skin or lips, reflecting red light to create a visible color. Because it's a lake pigment, it resists smudging and lasts longer than simple dyes, especially in oil-based formulas.

Pros

Vibrant, stable color

Delivers a consistent red shade that doesn't fade or bleed in oil-based products like lipsticks.

Low irritation risk

Generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, with minimal reports of allergic reactions.

Cons and cautions

No skincare benefits

Purely decorative—does not hydrate, protect, or improve skin health in any way.

Synthetic origin

Made from petrochemicals, which may be a concern for those preferring natural or sustainable ingredients.

Best for

  • Anyone looking for a reliable red color in makeup
  • People with sensitive skin who tolerate synthetic lakes well

Use caution if

  • Those seeking natural or plant-based colorants
  • Individuals with known allergies to synthetic dyes (rare)

Usage tips

Use in makeup products where a bold, long-lasting red is desired.
Avoid using in high concentrations near eyes unless specifically formulated for eye area.

Safety summary

Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though rare allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals.

Research notes

Studies and regulatory reviews (e.g., CIR, SCCS) confirm its safety in cosmetics. No significant health risks have been identified when used as intended.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.1% to 5% depending on desired shade intensity
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (Annex IV) with no concentration limits for external use.
Common uses
Lipsticks, Blushes, Eyeshadows, Nail polishes
Environmental note
Synthetic lakes are not biodegradable and may accumulate in water systems; however, they are used in small amounts in cosmetics.

Good to know

  • This ingredient is approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU regulators.
  • It is often listed as CI 14720 on ingredient labels.

Common questions

What is Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake in beauty products?

Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake is a man-made pigment that gives a red color to makeup products like lipstick and blush. It's made by combining a red dye with aluminum to create a stable, water-resistant powder that won't bleed or fade easily. Think of it as a coloring agent—like food coloring for your cosmetics—that doesn't treat or improve your skin.

What does Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake do in a beauty product?

It sits on the surface of the skin or lips, reflecting red light to create a visible color. Because it's a lake pigment, it resists smudging and lasts longer than simple dyes, especially in oil-based formulas.

Is Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake safe for most people?

Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though rare allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals.

Who should be careful with Acid Red 14 Aluminum Lake?

Those seeking natural or plant-based colorants Individuals with known allergies to synthetic dyes (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of Aluminum LakesOpenEuropean Commission - CosIng DatabaseOpenFDA - Color Additives in CosmeticsOpen

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.