Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient functions by physically imparting a red color through dispersion. It is formed by converting the tetraiodinated fluorescein dye (erythrosin) into an aluminum salt, which is then absorbed onto an aluminum hydroxide substrate. As a non-soluble lake pigment, it does not dissolve but rather distributes evenly throughout a formulation.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Color lakes, including PIGMENT RED 172 ALUMINUM LAKE, maintain stability within a pH range of 4 to 9. Stability can be compromised outside this range as the substrate may degrade. These lakes typically demonstrate enhanced heat and light resistance compared to their parent dyes.
Conflicts
- strong acids
- strong bases
Safety
Safety Profile
PIGMENT RED 172 ALUMINUM LAKE is synonymous with FD&C Red No. 3 Aluminum Lake, an ingredient that has been delisted by the FDA for food and drug applications. The FDA currently indicates no general cosmetic uses for this color additive. Furthermore, it is prohibited in the EU (Restriction II/1337) for use as a substance in hair dye products.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
This ingredient carries significant regulatory restrictions and high irritancy/comedogenicity concerns, making it unsuitable for precision skincare formulations.
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