Ingredient review
Red 22 Lake
INCI: CI 45380
A common synthetic red dye in makeup, generally safe for most people but may cause irritation in sensitive skin or eyes.
In plain English
CI 45380, also known as Red 22 Lake, is a synthetic dye that gives makeup a bright pink or red color. It's made from petroleum and is often used in lipsticks, blushes, and eye shadows. While it's approved for use in cosmetics, some people with very sensitive skin or eyes might experience mild irritation. It's not known to clog pores or cause acne.
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
Red 22 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Red 22 Lake.
- 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 45380 is a synthetic organic pigment derived from xanthene dyes. It is the lake form of D&C Red No. 22, meaning it's made by precipitating the dye onto an aluminum substrate to make it insoluble and more stable in formulations.
How it works
In cosmetics, CI 45380 works purely as a colorant. It absorbs and reflects specific wavelengths of light to produce a pink to red hue. Because it's a lake pigment, it doesn't dissolve in water or oil, so it stays suspended in the product and provides consistent color without bleeding or migrating.
Pros
Vibrant color payoff
Produces bright, consistent pink to red shades that stay true in various makeup products.
Good stability
As a lake pigment, it resists bleeding and fading, making it reliable in lipsticks and blushes.
Cons and cautions
Potential irritant
May cause mild irritation for those with sensitive skin or eyes, especially in eye-area products.
Synthetic origin
Derived from petroleum, which may be a concern for consumers preferring natural or sustainable ingredients.
Best for
- Anyone looking for bright, stable color in makeup
- People without known sensitivity to synthetic dyes
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to synthetic colorants
- Those seeking exclusively natural or plant-based cosmetics
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally safe for most people when used as directed in cosmetics. Rare cases of mild irritation have been reported, particularly in eye products. Regulatory bodies consider it safe within approved limits.
Research notes
Studies on CI 45380 focus on its use as a colorant and potential for allergic contact dermatitis. Evidence suggests low acute toxicity, but some individuals may experience sensitivity. More research is needed on long-term exposure in cosmetics.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 0.1% to 5% depending on desired color intensity
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in the US (FDA) and EU (EC) with restrictions on concentration and application area, especially near eyes.
- Common uses
- Lipsticks, Blushes, Eye shadows, Nail polishes
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic dye, its production involves petroleum derivatives and chemical processing, which may have a higher environmental footprint compared to natural alternatives.
Good to know
- CI 45380 is approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions, but concentrations may be regulated.
- It is often listed as D&C Red No. 22 on US labels.
Common questions
What is Red 22 Lake in beauty products?
CI 45380, also known as Red 22 Lake, is a synthetic dye that gives makeup a bright pink or red color. It's made from petroleum and is often used in lipsticks, blushes, and eye shadows. While it's approved for use in cosmetics, some people with very sensitive skin or eyes might experience mild irritation. It's not known to clog pores or cause acne.
What does Red 22 Lake do in a beauty product?
In cosmetics, CI 45380 works purely as a colorant. It absorbs and reflects specific wavelengths of light to produce a pink to red hue. Because it's a lake pigment, it doesn't dissolve in water or oil, so it stays suspended in the product and provides consistent color without bleeding or migrating.
Is Red 22 Lake safe for most people?
Generally safe for most people when used as directed in cosmetics. Rare cases of mild irritation have been reported, particularly in eye products. Regulatory bodies consider it safe within approved limits.
Who should be careful with Red 22 Lake?
Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to synthetic colorants Those seeking exclusively natural or plant-based cosmetics
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.