Ingredient review
Acid Yellow 9
INCI: CI 13015
A safe, widely used synthetic yellow dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.
In plain English
CI 13015 is a man-made yellow dye that manufacturers add to products like shampoo, soap, and lotion to give them a pleasing color. It doesn't do anything for your skin—it's purely cosmetic. Think of it like food coloring for your beauty products. While generally considered safe in tiny amounts, some people with very sensitive skin or allergies may prefer to avoid synthetic dyes.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Acid Yellow 9 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Acid Yellow 9.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
CI 13015 is a synthetic azo dye, specifically a yellow colorant approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products. It is derived from petroleum and belongs to the same family as many other FD&C and D&C colorants.
How it works
It works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, giving the product a yellow hue. It does not interact with the skin or alter the product's formula beyond its color.
Pros
Consistent color
Provides a stable, uniform yellow shade that doesn't fade easily, ensuring your product looks the same every time you use it.
Low cost
Synthetic dyes like CI 13015 are inexpensive to produce, which helps keep the final product affordable for consumers.
Cons and cautions
No skin benefit
This ingredient is purely aesthetic—it adds color but does nothing to hydrate, protect, or improve your skin.
Potential allergen
A small percentage of people may experience contact dermatitis or allergic reactions to azo dyes, especially those with sensitive skin or eczema.
Best for
- Anyone who doesn't mind synthetic colorants in their products
- People looking for affordable, colorful cosmetics
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to azo dyes or sensitive skin who prefer fragrance-free, dye-free products
Usage tips
Safety summary
CI 13015 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical low concentrations. However, a small subset of individuals may experience allergic reactions. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU SCCS have approved its use with restrictions.
Research notes
Studies indicate that CI 13015 has low acute toxicity and is not a significant skin irritant for most people. Allergic reactions are rare but documented, particularly in individuals with a history of sensitivity to azo dyes.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Very low (typically less than 1%)
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other countries, subject to concentration limits and labeling requirements.
- Common uses
- Shampoos, Soaps, Lotions, Makeup
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic dye, it is not biodegradable and may contribute to water pollution if not properly treated during manufacturing.
Good to know
- CI 13015 is sometimes listed under other names like Acid Yellow 9 or FD&C Yellow No. 5 in certain regions.
- In the European Union, it is regulated as a colorant and must be listed on the label.
Common questions
What is Acid Yellow 9 in beauty products?
CI 13015 is a man-made yellow dye that manufacturers add to products like shampoo, soap, and lotion to give them a pleasing color. It doesn't do anything for your skin—it's purely cosmetic. Think of it like food coloring for your beauty products. While generally considered safe in tiny amounts, some people with very sensitive skin or allergies may prefer to avoid synthetic dyes.
What does Acid Yellow 9 do in a beauty product?
It works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, giving the product a yellow hue. It does not interact with the skin or alter the product's formula beyond its color.
Is Acid Yellow 9 safe for most people?
CI 13015 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical low concentrations. However, a small subset of individuals may experience allergic reactions. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU SCCS have approved its use with restrictions.
Who should be careful with Acid Yellow 9?
Individuals with known allergies to azo dyes or sensitive skin who prefer fragrance-free, dye-free products
Research sources
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.