What is "CI 19140" and what is its purpose?

Also known as tartrazine, CI 19140 is a yellow azo dye of synthetic origin approved by the European Cosmetic Regulation for use in cosmetics, but it is regulated. Indeed, in Europe, CI 19140 is subject to specific purity criteria set out by Commission Directive 95/45/EC. Mainly found in makeup products such as eyeshadows, foundations, lipsticks... CI 19140 is also present in hair dyes, where it is used at a maximum concentration of 0.5% in the finished cosmetic product. It can also be found under other names depending on its use: Yellow 5 Lake in the United States, FD&C Yellow No. 5 in Canada and the E102 code in Europe as a food additive.

Chemical formula: C16H9N4Na3O9S2.

Molecular weight: 534.3 g/mol.

Solubility: Soluble in water and glycerine.

Organoleptic properties: Fine powder of a bright orange to yellow colour.

Why use CI 19140 in skincare?

The CI 19140 is added to skincare products as a colourant. It is used to impart a yellow hue to cosmetic products or to be combined with other colouring agents to achieve new shades.

The CI 19140 is present in some of our tinted lip balms and tinted lip oils.

Does it pose a health risk?

The CI 19140 poses no danger when applied topically. Re-evaluations of the safety of using tartrazine have been carried out and have proven negative. However, rare cases of allergies such as eczema or urticaria have been reported, but it is not likely to be mutagenic or carcinogenic in humans.