Ingredient review

Acid Yellow 3 Aluminum Lake

INCI: CI 47005

A widely used synthetic yellow pigment that adds color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

This is a man-made yellow dye that has been turned into a powder (a lake) so it mixes well with oils and waxes in makeup. It's what gives some lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes their yellow or golden tones. It doesn't treat or improve your skin—it's purely for color.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Acid Yellow 3 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 3 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 created by combining a water-soluble yellow dye (Acid Yellow 3) with an aluminum salt, making it insoluble and suitable for use in oil-based and powder cosmetics.

How it works

As a lake pigment, it is dispersed throughout the product's base (like a lipstick or eyeshadow) to provide a stable, uniform yellow color that doesn't bleed or migrate. It sits on the surface of the skin or lips and does not penetrate.

Pros

Vibrant color payoff

Gives a bright, consistent yellow shade that stays true in various lighting conditions.

Good stability

Resists fading from light and heat, so your makeup keeps its color longer.

Cons and cautions

No skin benefits

This ingredient is purely cosmetic and does not hydrate, protect, or improve skin health.

Potential staining

Can temporarily stain skin or clothing, especially in high-concentration formulas.

Best for

  • Anyone looking for a yellow pigment 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, but possible)

Usage tips

Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering the formula's base color.
Combine with other lakes or oxides to create custom shades.

Safety summary

Generally recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, mostly in individuals sensitive to coal-tar dyes.

Research notes

Studies confirm low acute toxicity and low skin irritation potential. No evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity at cosmetic use levels, though long-term inhalation studies are limited.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically 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 concentration limits for certain product types.
Common uses
Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, Blushes, Nail polishes, Soaps, Bath products
Environmental note
As a synthetic colorant, it is not biodegradable and may accumulate in water systems if not properly filtered during manufacturing.

Good to know

  • Acid Yellow 3 Aluminum Lake is also known as D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake in the US.
  • It is approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU regulators within specified limits.

Common questions

What is Acid Yellow 3 Aluminum Lake in beauty products?

This is a man-made yellow dye that has been turned into a powder (a lake) so it mixes well with oils and waxes in makeup. It's what gives some lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes their yellow or golden tones. It doesn't treat or improve your skin—it's purely for color.

What does Acid Yellow 3 Aluminum Lake do in a beauty product?

As a lake pigment, it is dispersed throughout the product's base (like a lipstick or eyeshadow) to provide a stable, uniform yellow color that doesn't bleed or migrate. It sits on the surface of the skin or lips and does not penetrate.

Is Acid Yellow 3 Aluminum Lake safe for most people?

Generally recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, mostly in individuals sensitive to coal-tar dyes.

Who should be careful with Acid Yellow 3 Aluminum Lake?

Those with known allergies to coal-tar dyes (rare, but possible)

Research sources

FDA Color Additive Status ListOpenEuropean Commission CosIng DatabaseOpenCIR Safety Assessment of 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.