Red 6 Lake (CI 15850) is an insoluble pigment produced by precipitating Red 6 onto an inert substrate to create an oil-dispersible lake. It's selected for durable, uniform red shades in solid and semi-solid products where non-bleeding, stable color matters most.
A stable red pigment that resists fading in solid makeup formulas.
Category
Color
Type
Pigment
Ratings
Overall Rating
Fair
Comedogenic Risk
None
Not typically evaluated for comedogenicity — no standardized rating available.
Our take
Is Red 6 Lake (CI 15850) a Good Ingredient?
Fair, because as an insoluble pigment form of Red 6 it holds color well in makeup, but that's the extent of its contribution: no skin benefit, and eye-area use is restricted in some regions. It's reliable for what it does, which keeps it from Poor, but that alone doesn't earn Good.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Delivers long-wearing red color that resists feathering and migration with even, opaque payoff, maintaining shade stability in pressed and anhydrous formats.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Used in lip liners, compact powders, pan blushes, and solid lip products that require controlled migration and strong coverage.
Before you use it
Safety
Typically well tolerated, though mild irritation or staining may occur. Eye-area use may be restricted in some jurisdictions (e.g., the US); confirm regional limits for lakes and application areas.