Ingredient review

CI 75125

INCI: CI 75125

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

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In plain English

CI 75125 is a man-made color additive that gives a yellow shade to cosmetics like lipstick and eyeshadow. It's a 'lake' pigment, meaning the dye is attached to an aluminum base so it stays put in formulas. It doesn't treat or improve skin—it's purely for appearance.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.5Good
3.5/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

CI 75125 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 CI 75125.
  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 75125 is the INCI name for FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, a synthetic pigment approved for use in cosmetics. It is produced by combining a water-soluble dye with an aluminum salt to create an insoluble powder that provides stable color.

How it works

As a lake pigment, CI 75125 is dispersed throughout a product's base (like oil or wax) to deliver a consistent yellow color. It does not react with skin or change color over time, making it reliable for long-lasting makeup.

Pros

Stable color

The lake form resists bleeding and fading, so your makeup stays vibrant longer.

Low irritation risk

At typical use levels, it rarely causes skin reactions, making it safe for most skin types.

Cons and cautions

No skin benefit

This ingredient only adds color—it doesn't hydrate, protect, or improve skin texture.

Synthetic origin

It's made in a lab from petroleum-derived sources, which may not align with natural or clean beauty preferences.

Best for

  • Anyone who enjoys colorful makeup and has no known sensitivity to synthetic dyes
  • Makeup brands seeking consistent, long-lasting color

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to FD&C dyes (rare)
  • Those strictly avoiding synthetic ingredients

Usage tips

Check the full ingredient list if you have a known sensitivity to FD&C dyes.
Store makeup products containing lakes in a cool, dry place to maintain color stability.

Safety summary

CI 75125 is considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated levels. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, but it is generally well-tolerated. It is not a skin irritant or comedogenic at typical concentrations.

Research notes

Studies confirm that FD&C Yellow No. 6 and its lake form are safe in cosmetics when used within approved limits. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar color additives and found them safe for topical use.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically used at very low levels, often under 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (as CI 75125) with concentration limits for some product types.
Common uses
Lipsticks, Blushes, Eyeshadows, Foundations
Environmental note
As a synthetic pigment, it is not biodegradable and may accumulate in water systems if not properly filtered during manufacturing.

Good to know

  • CI 75125 is also known as FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake in the US and is regulated by the FDA.
  • Lake pigments are generally more color-stable than their dye counterparts.

Common questions

What is CI 75125 in beauty products?

CI 75125 is a man-made color additive that gives a yellow shade to cosmetics like lipstick and eyeshadow. It's a 'lake' pigment, meaning the dye is attached to an aluminum base so it stays put in formulas. It doesn't treat or improve skin—it's purely for appearance.

What does CI 75125 do in a beauty product?

As a lake pigment, CI 75125 is dispersed throughout a product's base (like oil or wax) to deliver a consistent yellow color. It does not react with skin or change color over time, making it reliable for long-lasting makeup.

Is CI 75125 safe for most people?

CI 75125 is considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated levels. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, but it is generally well-tolerated. It is not a skin irritant or comedogenic at typical concentrations.

Who should be careful with CI 75125?

Individuals with known allergies to FD&C dyes (rare) Those strictly avoiding synthetic ingredients

Research sources

FDA Color Additive Status ListOpenCosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Safety AssessmentOpen

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.