Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)

Yellow 5 lake (CI 19140) is the insoluble lake form of tartrazine, where the dye is adsorbed onto an inert mineral substrate. It provides stable, opaque yellow color in oil-rich systems such as lipsticks and pressed powders.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An insoluble form of Yellow 5 dye used to color oil-based makeup.
Category
Color
Type
Pigment

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides strong yellow payoff with good coverage and reduced color migration in waxy or silicone-rich bases, helping achieve crisp lines and long-wearing color in makeup.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in bullet lip color, liquid lip paints, cream-to-powder blush, and compact eye shadows.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically well tolerated, though a minority may experience irritation or allergy related to tartrazine sensitivity. Governed by cosmetic colorant regulations and, in some regions, certification requirements. Stop use if irritation develops.

Is Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140) a Good Ingredient?

It rates Fair because the lake form delivers stable, opaque yellow payoff but has no direct skin benefit, and rare sensitivity to tartrazine can still occur. Its use is regulated in many markets, which speaks to quality and purity controls rather than a performance advantage.