Ingredient review
Red 33 Lake
INCI: CI 15525
A widely used synthetic colorant that adds vibrant red shades to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.
In plain English
CI 15525, also known as Red 33 Lake, is a man-made pigment that gives a red or pink color to makeup products like lipstick and blush. It doesn't do anything for your skin's health—it's purely there for appearance. In most people, it's very unlikely to cause irritation or clog pores, but those with extremely sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic dyes may want to patch test first.
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 33 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 33 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 15525 is a synthetic organic pigment derived from coal tar or petroleum sources. It is approved for use in cosmetics in many countries, including the U.S. and EU, under strict purity standards.
How it works
As a colorant, it works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light to produce a red hue. It is typically bound to a metal salt (a 'lake') to make it insoluble in water, so it stays put on the skin or lips without bleeding.
Pros
Vibrant and stable color
Produces bright, consistent red shades that last well on the skin and resist fading from light or air exposure.
Low irritation for most
At typical use levels, it is considered non-irritating and non-comedogenic for the vast majority of users.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefit
This ingredient is purely cosmetic—it adds color but does not hydrate, protect, or improve skin health in any way.
Potential allergen for some
A small percentage of people may experience contact dermatitis or allergic reactions, especially those with a history of sensitivity to synthetic dyes.
Best for
- Anyone looking for colorful, long-wearing makeup
- People without known sensitivities to synthetic dyes
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to coal-tar dyes or sensitive skin that reacts to synthetic colorants
Usage tips
Safety summary
CI 15525 is considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated concentrations. It has a low risk of irritation or clogging pores, but rare allergic reactions can occur. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU SCCS have reviewed its safety and set purity limits to minimize contaminants.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) have concluded that CI 15525 is safe for use in cosmetics when formulated within approved limits. No significant toxicity or carcinogenicity has been observed in studies at typical exposure levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low concentrations, often less than 1%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in the U.S. (FDA) and EU (as CI 15525) with purity specifications. Not approved for use in products intended for the eye area in some regions, but allowed in the U.S.
- Common uses
- Lipsticks, Blushes, Eyeshadows, Nail polishes, Facial makeup
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic pigment derived from petrochemicals, its production has a higher environmental footprint compared to natural mineral colorants. It is not biodegradable.
Good to know
- In the U.S., this colorant is approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics and drugs, including eye-area products.
- It is sometimes labeled as D&C Red No. 33 on ingredient lists.
Common questions
What is Red 33 Lake in beauty products?
CI 15525, also known as Red 33 Lake, is a man-made pigment that gives a red or pink color to makeup products like lipstick and blush. It doesn't do anything for your skin's health—it's purely there for appearance. In most people, it's very unlikely to cause irritation or clog pores, but those with extremely sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic dyes may want to patch test first.
What does Red 33 Lake do in a beauty product?
As a colorant, it works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light to produce a red hue. It is typically bound to a metal salt (a 'lake') to make it insoluble in water, so it stays put on the skin or lips without bleeding.
Is Red 33 Lake safe for most people?
CI 15525 is considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated concentrations. It has a low risk of irritation or clogging pores, but rare allergic reactions can occur. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU SCCS have reviewed its safety and set purity limits to minimize contaminants.
Who should be careful with Red 33 Lake?
Individuals with known allergies to coal-tar dyes or sensitive skin that reacts to synthetic colorants
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.