
General Description
D&C Red 6 BA Lake is a synthetic organic color additive widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry. It is a barium lake pigment derived from D&C Red No. 6 dye, designed to provide excellent color stability, opacity, and insolubility in water. Due to its lake form, D&C Red 6 BA Lake offers superior performance in oil-based, wax-based, and powder formulations compared to water-soluble dyes. It is approved for cosmetic use in many regions and is valued for delivering vibrant red to pink hues with consistent color payoff.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry
D&C Red 6 BA Lake is commonly used in color cosmetics where long-lasting and uniform pigmentation is required. It is a key ingredient in lipsticks, lip balms, blushes, compact powders, pressed powders, and nail products. The pigment disperses well in oils and waxes, making it ideal for anhydrous and emulsion-based formulations. Cosmetic manufacturers prefer D&C Red 6 BA Lake for its excellent heat stability, lightfastness, and resistance to bleeding, ensuring consistent shade performance throughout the product’s shelf life.
Side Effects & Hazards
D&C Red 6 BA Lake is considered safe for cosmetic use when formulated within approved regulatory limits. However, it should not be used in products intended for the eye area unless specifically permitted by regional cosmetic regulations. In rare cases, individuals with highly sensitive skin may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions. Proper quality control, regulatory compliance, and sourcing from certified manufacturers are essential to ensure product safety. During bulk handling, standard protective measures should be followed to avoid inhalation of fine pigment particles.
CAS Number: 5858-81-1
INCI: Red 6 Lake
Composition:D&C Red 6 BA Lake is composed of the barium salt (lake form) of the azo dye derived from sulfonated aromatic compounds. The pigment is adsorbed onto an insoluble barium substrate to provide enhanced color stability and insolubility.
Purity Grade: Cosmetic / Pharmaceutical Grade (D&C Grade)
Appearance: Red to dark red fine powder
Solubility:Insoluble in water; dispersible in oils and suitable cosmetic carriers
Preservation:Preservative-free; inorganic lake pigment does not support microbial growth
Storage:Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture
Raw Material Sources:Synthesized from petrochemical-derived aromatic intermediates and inorganic barium salts
Manufacture:Manufactured by precipitating the water-soluble D&C Red 6 dye onto a barium substrate, followed by filtration, washing, drying, and micronization to achieve consistent particle size and color strength
Animal Testing: Not animal tested
GMO: GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components)
Vegan: Does not contain animal-derived components
Proposition:D&C Red 6 BA Lake complies with applicable cosmetic and pharmaceutical colorant regulations, including FDA and EU guidelines, when used within approved concentration limits
Warning:For external use only. Avoid inhalation of dust. Use appropriate protective equipment during handling. Not approved for use in products intended for the eye area unless specifically permitted by regulation.
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1) What is D&C Red 6 BA Lake’s CAS number and INCI name?
CAS Number: 17852-98-1
INCI Name: CI 15850:2
2) What is D&C Red 6 BA Lake chemical and why is it used in cosmetics?
D&C Red 6 BA Lake is a synthetic colorant (color index CI 15850) formed by reacting the Red 6 dye with a barium salt (“lake”) to create a stable, oil-insoluble pigment. It’s used in formulations to add vibrant red/orange hues to decorative cosmetics.
3) What products commonly use D&C Red 6 BA Lake?
It’s widely used in decorative cosmetic and personal care products such as lipsticks, nail lacquers, face makeup, and other colored formulations. Because it’s an FDA-approved cosmetic color additive, it can be used in topical products under good manufacturing practices.
4) Is D&C Red 6 BA Lake FDA-approved for cosmetic use?
Yes — D&C Red 6 BA Lake is regulated and permitted by the U.S. FDA for use in cosmetics and certain external drugs when used within allowed limits. FDA guidelines ensure it is safe for cosmetic applications when labeled and formulated correctly.
5) What is the typical usage level of D&C Red 6 BA Lake in formulations?
Typical use levels in cosmetic and personal care products vary depending on the desired shade, but it’s commonly used at low percentages (e.g., <0.1% in skin products, slightly higher in lip products). Always follow regulatory limits and internal formulation guidelines.