Ingredient review

Acid Yellow 23 Aluminum Lake

INCI: CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake)

A widely used synthetic yellow pigment that adds color to cosmetics but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

Acid Yellow 23 Aluminum Lake is a synthetic pigment that gives a bright yellow color to makeup and skincare products. It is made by combining a yellow dye (Acid Yellow 23, also known as Yellow 5) with aluminum to create a stable, water-resistant powder. This lake form is commonly used in lipsticks, eyeshadows, and other color cosmetics because it does not bleed or run when applied to the skin. While generally considered safe for most people, it can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in those with sensitivities to synthetic dyes.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Acid Yellow 23 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 Yellow 23 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 colorant produced by precipitating the water-soluble dye Acid Yellow 23 (Yellow 5) onto an aluminum hydroxide substrate, creating an insoluble pigment.

How it works

As a lake pigment, it is insoluble in water and oil, so it stays put on the skin without migrating. It provides a stable, opaque yellow color that resists fading and bleeding, making it ideal for long-wear cosmetics.

Pros

Vibrant, stable color

Provides a bright yellow hue that stays true and does not fade or bleed, even in oily or moist environments like lips and eyes.

Widely accepted by regulators

Approved for cosmetic use by the FDA, EU, and other major regulatory bodies, so you can trust its safety profile.

Cons and cautions

Potential allergen

Can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitivities to synthetic dyes or aspirin (due to cross-reactivity with salicylates).

Not natural

Synthetic origin may be a turn-off for consumers seeking natural or clean beauty products.

Best for

  • Anyone looking for a stable yellow pigment in color cosmetics
  • Formulators needing a non-bleeding colorant for lip and eye products

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to FD&C dyes or salicylates (cross-reactivity possible)

Usage tips

Use at very low concentrations (typically under 1%) to achieve desired color without over-pigmenting.
Combine with other lakes or iron oxides to create custom shades like peach or orange.

Safety summary

Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. However, a small percentage of people may experience allergic contact dermatitis, especially those with known dye sensitivities.

Research notes

Multiple safety reviews by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and the FDA have concluded that Yellow 5 Lake is safe for use in cosmetics when formulated properly. Allergic reactions are rare but documented.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically used at very low concentrations, often less than 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics by the U.S. FDA (as FD&C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake) and the EU (as CI 19140). Must be listed on the ingredient label.
Common uses
Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, Blushes, Nail polishes, Soaps, Bath products
Environmental note
Synthetic colorants are produced through chemical processes and are not biodegradable. However, they are used in very small amounts, limiting environmental impact.

Good to know

  • This ingredient is the lake form of Yellow 5, which is also used as a food dye.
  • Lake pigments are more stable and less likely to stain skin than their water-soluble counterparts.

Common questions

What is Acid Yellow 23 Aluminum Lake in beauty products?

Acid Yellow 23 Aluminum Lake is a synthetic pigment that gives a bright yellow color to makeup and skincare products. It is made by combining a yellow dye (Acid Yellow 23, also known as Yellow 5) with aluminum to create a stable, water-resistant powder. This lake form is commonly used in lipsticks, eyeshadows, and other color cosmetics because it does not bleed or run when applied to the skin. While generally considered safe for most people, it can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in those with sensitivities to synthetic dyes.

What does Acid Yellow 23 Aluminum Lake do in a beauty product?

As a lake pigment, it is insoluble in water and oil, so it stays put on the skin without migrating. It provides a stable, opaque yellow color that resists fading and bleeding, making it ideal for long-wear cosmetics.

Is Acid Yellow 23 Aluminum Lake safe for most people?

Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. However, a small percentage of people may experience allergic contact dermatitis, especially those with known dye sensitivities.

Who should be careful with Acid Yellow 23 Aluminum Lake?

Individuals with known allergies to FD&C dyes or salicylates (cross-reactivity possible)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of Color AdditivesOpenFDA - Color Additives in CosmeticsOpenPubMed - Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Yellow 5 LakeOpen

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.