D&C Red 7 Lake

Enhance your cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations with D&C Red 7 Lake Powder (CI 15850) — a highly trusted FDA-certified lake pigment engineered for professional-grade coloring performance.

Unlike water-soluble dyes, D&C Red 7 is supplied in lake form, meaning it is an insoluble pigment created by precipitating the dye onto a substrate such as calcium salt. This structure provides excellent dispersion in oils, waxes, and anhydrous bases.

If you’re formulating lipsticks, blushes, pressed powders, or ointments, you need a pigment that provides:

✔ High color intensity
✔ Excellent oil dispersion
✔ Superior stability
✔ Controlled bleeding resistance
✔ Batch-certified regulatory compliance

D&C Red 7 delivers vibrant red-to-pink shades depending on formulation concentration and blend.

What Makes Lake Pigments Different?

Lake pigments are:

• Insoluble in water
• Dispersible in oils and waxes
• Ideal for oil-based cosmetic systems
• More stable against migration than soluble dyes

This makes D&C Red 7 especially valuable in lipsticks and cream-based products where bleeding must be controlled.

Regulatory Compliance – FDA Certified Color

D&C Red 7 is:

• Listed under 21 CFR Part 74
• Subject to FDA batch certification
• Permitted in drugs and cosmetics
• Not approved for food use

Only certified batches may be legally used in regulated U.S. cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Common Applications

• Lipsticks and lip balms
• Cream blush
• Pressed powders
• Foundations
• Ointments
• Topical pharmaceutical products
• Nail products

Imagine formulating a bold matte lipstick where color payoff and stability are critical — D&C Red 7 Lake ensures uniform shade without bleeding or fading.

Technical Characteristics

• Insoluble pigment
• Excellent oil dispersibility
• Stable under standard cosmetic processing temperatures
• Good light stability
• Strong tint strength
• Compatible with waxes, silicones, and oils

Handling & Storage

• Use dust protection during handling
• Store in cool, dry environment
• Keep container sealed
• Avoid moisture contamination
• Shelf life: 24–36 months

Category: Cosmetic Colors -> D&C Dyes, Lake Colors, Organic Pigments, FDA Certified Colors

Tags: D&C Red 7, CI 15850, Lake Pigment, FDA Certified Color, Cosmetic Pigment, Lipstick Color, Organic Pigment, Pharmaceutical Color, Red Lake Powder

Attributes / Specifications

Product Name: D&C Red 7 Lake
CI Number: 15850
CAS Number: 5281-04-09
Color Index Name: D&C Red No. 7
Chemical Class: Monoazo Lake Pigment
Form: Fine Powder
Color: Bright Red
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Dispersibility: Oil-dispersible
Grade: FDA Certified (Batch Certification Required)
Intended Use: Cosmetics & Drugs
Food Use: Not approved for food
Shelf Life: 24–36 months
Packaging: Sealed moisture-resistant container

FAQs

Q: Is D&C Red 7 FDA approved?
A: Yes. D&C Red 7 is an FDA-listed color additive for drugs and cosmetics, subject to batch certification.

Q: Is D&C Red 7 water soluble?
A: No. It is supplied as a lake pigment, making it insoluble in water but dispersible in oils.

Q: Can it be used in food?
A: No. D&C Red 7 is not approved for food use in the United States.

Q: Why is lake pigment used in lipsticks?
A: Lake pigments prevent color bleeding and provide better oil dispersion in wax-based formulations.

Q: Does each batch require certification?
A: Yes. FDA-certified colors must undergo batch certification before commercial use.

Authoritative sources consulted:

1. U.S. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations – 21 CFR Part 74
   https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-74
2. FDA Color Additive Status List
   https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-status-list
3. PubChem – Chemical Data
   https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
4. FDA Guidance for Industry – Cosmetic Color Additives
   https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics

Conclusion: D&C Red 7 (CI 15850) is an FDA-certified color additive for use in drugs and cosmetics when batch-certified. It is commonly sold as a Lake Color pigment in powder form.