Ingredient review

Acid Yellow 3

INCI: CI 47005

A widely used synthetic yellow dye that is generally safe in cosmetics but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

CI 47005 is a synthetic yellow dye, also known as Acid Yellow 3 or D&C Yellow No. 10. It's added to cosmetics and personal care products to give them a yellow or greenish-yellow color. Think of it like food coloring for your shampoo or lotion. It's not a nutrient or active ingredient—it's purely for appearance.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Acid Yellow 3 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 3.
  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

CI 47005 is a synthetic organic dye from the quinoline class. It is produced through chemical synthesis and is approved for use in cosmetics, drugs, and foods in many countries.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, CI 47005 works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, giving the product a yellow hue. It dissolves in water and mixes evenly into formulas, providing consistent color without affecting the product's performance or skin feel.

Pros

Consistent color

Provides a stable, bright yellow color that doesn't fade easily in typical product formulations.

Versatile use

Works well in a wide range of products from shampoos to lipsticks, giving formulators flexibility.

Cons and cautions

Allergy risk

Can cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

Synthetic origin

Made from petroleum-based chemicals, which may be a concern for consumers seeking natural or clean beauty products.

Best for

  • Anyone who wants colorful cosmetic products
  • People without known dye allergies

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to quinoline dyes or sensitive skin prone to reactions

Usage tips

Check product labels if you have known dye allergies.
Patch test new products containing this dye on a small area of skin before full use.

Safety summary

Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use at low concentrations, but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Regulatory bodies have set limits to ensure consumer safety.

Research notes

Studies indicate low acute toxicity and no significant carcinogenic or reproductive risks at typical exposure levels. However, some individuals may experience allergic contact dermatitis.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Very low, typically less than 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (as D&C Yellow No. 10), EU, and many other countries, with concentration limits in some regions.
Common uses
Shampoos, Soaps, Lotions, Makeup, Nail polish
Environmental note
As a synthetic dye, it may not be biodegradable and could contribute to water pollution if not properly treated during manufacturing.

Good to know

  • CI 47005 is also used in some foods and medicines as a color additive.
  • In the EU, it is regulated as a permitted colorant in cosmetics with specific concentration limits.

Common questions

What is Acid Yellow 3 in beauty products?

CI 47005 is a synthetic yellow dye, also known as Acid Yellow 3 or D&C Yellow No. 10. It's added to cosmetics and personal care products to give them a yellow or greenish-yellow color. Think of it like food coloring for your shampoo or lotion. It's not a nutrient or active ingredient—it's purely for appearance.

What does Acid Yellow 3 do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, CI 47005 works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, giving the product a yellow hue. It dissolves in water and mixes evenly into formulas, providing consistent color without affecting the product's performance or skin feel.

Is Acid Yellow 3 safe for most people?

Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use at low concentrations, but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Regulatory bodies have set limits to ensure consumer safety.

Who should be careful with Acid Yellow 3?

Individuals with known allergies to quinoline dyes or sensitive skin prone to reactions

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of CI 47005OpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) - Quinoline YellowOpenPubMed - Allergic contact dermatitis from D&C Yellow No. 10Open

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.