Red 22 Lake
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: D&C Red 22 Aluminum Lake, Red 27 Lake, Red 28, Red 33, Red 6 Lake, Red 7 Lake, D&C Colors
Pigment used to add colour to makeup, food products, and skin care | Ruled safe in its current use
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Red 22 Lake?
Red 22 lake is a synthetic pigment used to add color to makeup, as well as skin care and food products. The term lake refers to the process of transforming a pigment from a solid to a solution, usually using a metallic salt. This makes it insoluble in water.
It is also known as D&C Red 22 Aluminum Lake, with the “D&C” designation meaning it is approved for use in drugs and cosmetics.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has ruled Red 22 lake safe in its current use.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Regulatory Status of Color Additives [https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additive-inventories/color-additive-status-list]
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Color Additives History [https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-history]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
A wide range of ingredients, called "quats" for short | Share a unique molecular structure that makes them strongly attracted to hair
Quaternium Ammonium Compounds
A wide range of ingredients, called “quats” for short | Share a unique molecular structure that makes them strongly attracted to hair
Raffinose
Trisaccharide composed of galactose, glucose, and fructose | Found in plants and vegetables like cabbage, beans and broccoli
Red 28 Lake
Pigment used to add color to makeup, food products, and skin care | Also known as D&C Red No. 28 Aluminum Lake
Red 33 Lake
Pigment used to add color to makeup, food products, and skin care | Also known as D&C Red No. 33 Aluminum Lake
Red 40
Pigment used to add colour to makeup and skin care | Ruled safe in its current use
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