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Moumoujus

PIGMENT RED 90:1 ALUMINUM LAKE.

Questionable CAS 15876-39-8 / COLORANT, HAIR DYEING

PIGMENT RED 90:1 ALUMINUM LAKE is an insoluble cosmetic colorant, designed to impart vibrant red hues. It functions by dispersing on the skin's surface, providing aesthetic coloration without penetration or absorption into skin cells.

Summary

Colorant Cosmetic Colorant Hair Dyeing (Banned in EU for this use)

Science

Mechanism of Action

This pigment operates as an inert, insoluble colorant that adheres to the skin's outermost layer. Its mechanism involves the physical dispersion of light, delivering color superficially without engaging in cellular absorption or biological activity within the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a colorant, the concept of 'dusting' related to active ingredient efficacy or irritation thresholds is not directly applicable. Its concentration is typically optimized for desired color intensity rather than specific biological action.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

This pigment demonstrates excellent stability within oil-based and low-moisture formulations, ensuring consistent color without bleeding. It maintains broad compatibility across various cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulation types.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Unknown

While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) generally deems aluminum hydroxide and alumina (bases for aluminum lakes) safe, PIGMENT RED 90:1 ALUMINUM LAKE specifically has not undergone CIR review. It is explicitly listed in Annex II of the EU Cosmetics Directive, banning its use in hair dye products. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns a 'HIGH' rating for Use Restrictions and 'Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity,' citing EU regulations. Conversely, the FDA generally considers related CI 45380 (D&C Red 21/22 Lakes) safe for external cosmetic applications within regulated concentrations. A cytotoxicity study on human dermal fibroblast cells showed a related lac lake pigment was not cytotoxic at concentrations between 0.78-100 µg/mL.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

As an effective oil-soluble cosmetic colorant, its primary utility is aesthetic; however, significant regulatory concerns, including an EU ban in hair dyes and EWG's warning of developmental and reproductive toxicity, make its inclusion questionable for precision skincare.

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