Understanding Tartrazine (CI 19140): Exploring Yellow 5 Cosmetic Dye and Its INCI Role
I. Introduction
Brief background about Tartrazine (CI 19140), widely known as Yellow 5.
CI19140, also known as Tartrazine, is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye primarily used as a food coloring. It’s also known by the names E102, FD&C Yellow 5, Acid Yellow 23, Food Yellow 4, and Trisodium 1-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-4-(4-sulfonatophenylazo)-5-pyrazolone-3-carboxylate.
The use of Tartrazine in the cosmetics industry.
Primarily used as a colorant in many industries, including the cosmetics industry.
- In the cosmetics industry, tartrazine is used to impart yellow or green shades in products like soaps, shampoos, lotions, and makeup.
- It’s a popular choice due to its high stability, bright color, and relatively low cost.
- Tartrazine can be found in a wide range of cosmetic products such as nail polish, bath products, makeup, hair colorants, and skin care products.
However, it’s worth noting that the use of tartrazine has been controversial due to potential health concerns. Some people may have allergic reactions to tartrazine, resulting in symptoms like itching, hives, or runny nose. As a result, in some regions like the European Union, products containing tartrazine must be labeled as such.
II. The Science Behind Tartrazine (CI 19140)
Detailed discussion about the chemical properties of Tartrazine.
Tartrazine, also known as E102 or Yellow 5, is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye primarily used as a food coloring. Here are some of its chemical properties:
Chemical Formula: C16H9N4Na3O9S2
Molecular Weight: 534.37 g/mol
Color Index Number: 19140
Appearance: Tartrazine is a yellow powder that is water-soluble.
Solubility: It is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol.
Stability: Tartrazine is stable under normal conditions, but it can degrade under exposure to light and heat. The presence of metal ions can also induce its degradation.
Acidity/Basicity: Tartrazine has a pH value of 6.5-7.5 in an aqueous solution at a concentration of 1%.
Melting Point: Tartrazine decomposes rather than melting at high temperatures.
Structure: Tartrazine has a complex structure with azo groups (-N=N-) and sulfonic acid groups (-SO3H), contributing to its water solubility and color.
Why it’s commonly used as a dye, particularly its vibrancy and stability.
Tartrazine is commonly used as a dye due to a number of its unique properties:
Vibrancy: Tartrazine produces a bright, yellow color that is quite striking. This makes it particularly useful in food, beverage, and cosmetic industries where visual appeal is important.
Stability: Tartrazine is chemically stable, meaning it doesn’t easily break down over time or under different conditions. This makes it a reliable colorant for products that have a long shelf life.
Solubility: Tartrazine is water-soluble, making it easy to mix into various products without clumping or uneven distribution of color.
Cost-effective: Synthesizing tartrazine is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for industries needing large quantities of dye.
Consistency: It offers consistent coloring, which is essential in industries where the same shade must be replicated over and over again in different product batches.
Overall, the vibrancy and stability of tartrazine, along with its other properties, make it a popular choice as a dye in various industries.
Description of how it’s produced and its appearance in its pure state.
It’s derived from coal tar, a byproduct of coal processing. Here’s a simplified version of how it’s typically produced:
- It starts with aniline, a compound derived from benzene, which is obtained from coal tar.
- This aniline is diazotized. This means it’s treated with nitrous acid to create a diazonium compound.
- The diazonium compound is then coupled with another compound, usually a phenol or naphthol, to create the azo dye.
In its pure form, tartrazine appears as a yellow powder. It’s insoluble in water but can be dissolved in ethanol.
III. Role of Tartrazine in the Cosmetic Industry
Examples of cosmetic products that use Yellow 5.
- L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color
- Maybelline New York Lemonade Craze Eyeshadow Palette
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick
- Lancome Juicy Tubes Original Lip Gloss
- MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow
- Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup
- Clinique All About Eyes Concealer
- Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss
- Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Concealer.
IV. The Controversies Surrounding Tartrazine
- One primary concern associated with Tartrazine is its potential to trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals. Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to this dye, experiencing symptoms like skin irritation, itching, redness, or swelling upon exposure. Such reactions can vary in severity and may necessitate medical attention.
- Furthermore, research suggests that Tartrazine may have other potential health risks. While the precise effects on human health are still being studied extensively, some studies have suggested a possible link between the consumption or application of Tartrazine-containing products and various health conditions such as asthma exacerbation or hyperactivity in children. However, it is important to note that these findings are not conclusive and further scientific investigations are ongoing.
- Regulatory authorities around the world closely monitor the usage of Tartrazine in cosmetics to ensure adherence to safety standards.
V. Safe Usage of Cosmetic Products Containing Tartrazine
Tips on how to safely use products containing Tartrazine.
- Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list on food items, cosmetics, and over-the-counter medications for Tartrazine or E102.
- Monitor for Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to Tartrazine. If you notice symptoms such as itching, hives, runny nose, or difficulty breathing after consuming a product with Tartrazine, seek medical help immediately.
- Check with Healthcare Provider: If you are taking any prescribed medication, check with your healthcare provider about the presence of Tartrazine in it.
- Limit Consumption: If you don’t have any allergic reaction, it’s still good to limit the consumption of products with Tartrazine as excessive intake may lead to health issues.
- Special Populations: Pregnant women, children, and individuals with asthma or allergies should be particularly cautious with products containing Tartrazine.
- Look for Alternatives: Many natural and safe alternatives to Tartrazine are available. Try to choose products with natural colorants whenever possible.
Advice for individuals with known sensitivities to Tartrazine.
The key is moderation and vigilance when it comes to the use of products containing Tartrazine.
VI. Conclusion
It’s considered safe by many regulatory agencies like the FDA (in the US) and EFSA (in Europe), but it’s also known to cause allergies in some people. It’s always recommended to check food labels if you are sensitive to this dye.
