Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5)
Synthetic azo dye tartrazine – gives a yellow-orange shade. A known food and cosmetic allergen, especially in people with aspirin intolerance.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- High
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Tartrazine (CI 19140) is a synthetic mono-azo dye, one of the most studied food and cosmetic colorants. Water-soluble, gives a bright lemon-yellow shade. INCI: CI 19140. Food status: E102. In cosmetics it is used in skincare (shampoos, gels), decorative cosmetics, hair products and toothpastes. In the EU it is allowed by Annex IV of Regulation 1223/2009. In the US the FDA approved it as FD&C Yellow 5 with mandatory food labeling because of the risk of pseudo-allergic reactions. The main feature is being a known pseudo-allergen. In 1-15% of people with aspirin intolerance (Samter's triad: bronchial asthma, nasal polyps, NSAID intolerance) tartrazine can provoke urticaria, angioedema and asthma exacerbation. In children an association with hyperactivity is described (Southampton studies, 2007). Systemic reactions from topical application are unlikely, but contact dermatitis is described. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption into the systemic circulation is minimal. EFSA confirms safety at an acceptable daily intake of 7.5 mg/kg. Skin profile. Low to moderate direct irritation potential. High allergen potential for predisposed individuals. Non-comedogenic. In people with known sensitivity to azo dyes or NSAIDs – avoid.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) safe during pregnancy?
Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) for?
Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) suits: normal, dry, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Can Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) cause an allergic reaction?
Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
What is Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) and what does it do in cosmetics?
Synthetic azo dye tartrazine – gives a yellow-orange shade.
Is Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5)?
The INCI name is CI 19140. It may also appear as: Yellow 5, Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), Tartrazine.
See Tartrazine (CI 19140, Yellow 5) in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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