Yellow 5 Lake is the insoluble lake form of the synthetic azo dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), used to impart yellow color to cosmetic and skincare formulations. It is a coloring agent rather than a functional skin-active ingredient.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation or stinging may occur in sensitive individuals. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to azo dyes can cause localized eczematous reactions. |
Urticaria or hypersensitivity | Very rare | Reported mainly with ingestion of tartrazine; topical reactions are uncommon. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.