Ingredient review
Red 30 Lake
INCI: CI 73385
A safe, widely used synthetic red pigment that adds vibrant color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.
In plain English
CI 73385 is a man-made red pigment that gives lipsticks, blushes, and eye shadows their bright red or pink color. It is a 'lake' pigment, meaning it is made by attaching a dye to a mineral base so it doesn't dissolve in water or oil, which helps the color stay put on your skin. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics by regulators, but it is purely cosmetic and does not hydrate, protect, or improve your skin.
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 30 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 30 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 73385 is a synthetic organic pigment classified as a vat dye. It is produced by chemically bonding a red dye to an aluminum or other metal salt substrate, creating an insoluble 'lake' that provides stable, intense color.
How it works
As a lake pigment, CI 73385 is insoluble in both water and oil, so it remains suspended in the product base. When applied to the skin, it deposits a thin layer of color that adheres well and resists smudging or fading. It does not penetrate the skin or interact with skin biology.
Pros
Vibrant and stable color
Provides a bright, consistent red hue that doesn't fade or change color over time, even in complex formulas.
Low irritation risk
Generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, when used at typical concentrations in rinse-off or leave-on products.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefits
This ingredient is purely decorative and does not moisturize, soothe, protect, or improve skin texture or health.
Potential for staining
If not properly formulated or removed, the pigment can temporarily stain skin or clothing, especially in high-concentration products like lip stains.
Best for
- Anyone looking for bold, long-lasting red color in makeup
- People who prefer synthetic over animal-derived colorants (unlike carmine)
Use caution if
- Those seeking skincare benefits from their color cosmetics
- Individuals with known sensitivity to synthetic colorants (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
CI 73385 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. It has low skin irritation and sensitization potential. However, it offers no skincare benefits and is purely aesthetic.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and the FDA have concluded that CI 73385 is safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. No significant health risks have been identified from topical use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 0.1% to 5% depending on desired shade intensity
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (EC) with specific purity and concentration restrictions. In the US, it is listed as D&C Red No. 30 Lake and is permitted for use in eye area products.
- Common uses
- Lipsticks, Blushes, Eye shadows, Nail polishes
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic pigment, its production involves chemical synthesis and may have environmental impacts from manufacturing waste. It is not biodegradable and can accumulate in water systems if not properly filtered.
Good to know
- CI 73385 is approved for use in cosmetics in the US (as D&C Red No. 30 Lake) and EU (as CI 73385) with concentration limits for certain product types.
- It is not the same as Red 30 (non-lake) which has different solubility and uses.
Common questions
What is Red 30 Lake in beauty products?
CI 73385 is a man-made red pigment that gives lipsticks, blushes, and eye shadows their bright red or pink color. It is a 'lake' pigment, meaning it is made by attaching a dye to a mineral base so it doesn't dissolve in water or oil, which helps the color stay put on your skin. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics by regulators, but it is purely cosmetic and does not hydrate, protect, or improve your skin.
What does Red 30 Lake do in a beauty product?
As a lake pigment, CI 73385 is insoluble in both water and oil, so it remains suspended in the product base. When applied to the skin, it deposits a thin layer of color that adheres well and resists smudging or fading. It does not penetrate the skin or interact with skin biology.
Is Red 30 Lake safe for most people?
CI 73385 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. It has low skin irritation and sensitization potential. However, it offers no skincare benefits and is purely aesthetic.
Who should be careful with Red 30 Lake?
Those seeking skincare benefits from their color cosmetics Individuals with known sensitivity to synthetic colorants (rare)
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.