FD&C Yellow 5 Aluminum Lake

Today's Chemical:
FD&C Yellow Aluminum Lake

EWG Risk Score:
4

What is it?
This is an artificial color derived from coal tar.

Why is it a risk?
FD& C Yellow Aluminum Lake is known to be a reproductive toxin and hazardous to the nervous system. Also known as tartrazine, it's a suspected cause of asthma, dermatitis, and other allergic and inflammatory responses.

What type of products is it found in?
Eye shadow, blush, nail polish, mascara, lip balm, facial powder, lipstick, lip liner, sunscreens

Companies that use this chemical:
Please review product labels for current ingredient information.

• MAC
• Hard Candy
• Boots
• Bare Escentuals
• Revlon
• Pysicians Formula
• Max Factor
• Cover Girl
• Avon
• ULTA
• Almay
• Bonne Bell
• Clinique
• L'Oreal

Steph's Opinion:
Any FD&C color is basically junk food for your skin. Although it's not one of the worst chemicals out there, it's not beneficial in any way. In over 1900 products, it's disheartening to know that so many companies use it needlessly when there are so many other alternatives for coloring that are natural and safe.

Sources:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=702443&refurl=%2Fsearchres.php%3Fsearchtype%3Dingredients%26rs_cats2%255B%255D%3Ddevel_repro%253E10%26submit%3DFIND%2BINGREDIENTS%26showmore%3Dingredients%26start%3D0%26order%3Dnproducts%2BDESC%26

http://allergies.about.com/od/specifceliminationdiets/a/tartrazine.htm