CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a synthetic colorant used to give formulas a bright warm shade. Because it is insoluble, it is mainly used where pigment dispersion is preferred over water-soluble dye behavior.
What does CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a synthetic colorant used to give formulas a bright warm shade. Because it is insoluble, it is mainly used where pigment dispersion is preferred over water-soluble dye behavior.
Is CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient often faces restrictions because it is a synthetic colorant rather than a naturally derived pigment. It is regulated for cosmetic use in many markets, but some standards flag artificial colorants and possible trace impurities from manufacture.
Is CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE sustainable?
This material is typically petroleum-derived and made through multi-step synthetic chemistry, with an inorganic substrate used to make it insoluble. It is not a strong fit for biodegradability-focused formulas and has a less renewable sourcing profile than plant or mineral color options.
Is CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE COSMOS-approved?
This ingredient is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because it is a synthetic colorant. Its Green Chemistry profile is limited by nonrenewable feedstocks, synthetic processing, and weak biodegradability alignment.
How does CI 15985/YELLOW 6 LAKE work chemically?
The molecule is an organic azo colorant immobilized onto a hydrated inorganic substrate, which makes it largely insoluble and better suited to dispersed pigment systems. It is typically used at low, shade-dependent levels, often below 1%, and requires good milling or dispersion for even color payoff.
Last updated 2026-05-13