Lake Pigment - FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminium

• Product Name: FD&C Red 40 Aluminum Lake
• CI Name: CI 16035 (Aluminium Hydroxide, CI 16035)
• CAS No: 68583-95-9
• EINECS No: 247-368-0
• Characteristic: Red powder
• Odour: Tasteless
• Pure Dye Content: 36.0–42.0%
• pH (2% slurry in distilled water): 3.5–7.5
• Solubility: Insoluble in water (≤0 g/L); dispersible in oils
• Melting Point: 300°C
• Density: 2.42 g/cm³
• Residue on 325 mesh: ≤1.0%
• Heavy Metals: Mercury ≤1.0mg/kg, Lead ≤10.0mg/kg, Arsenic ≤2.0mg/kg, Cadmium ≤5.0mg/kg
• Microbiology: Aerobic bacterial count ≤500 CFU/g, moulds/yeasts ≤100 CFU/g, no detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or thermotolerant coliforms
• Shelf Life: 5 years from manufacture, stored in a dry, clean, opaque sealed container at room temperature (<25°C)
• Free from: Palm oil, preservatives, pesticides, the 26 EU-listed allergens, Class 1–4 solvents (USP <467>), and manufactured without animal or plant raw materials (BSE, GMO, and gluten free)

Typical Applications

• Bath Bombs: Disperse in a small amount of oil with Polysorbate 80 before adding to your dry mix, or blend the powder directly into the dry ingredients for a marbled effect
• Soap Making (CP/HP): Disperse in a light oil before adding at trace; note that lake colours can fade over time in cold process soap and may migrate/bleed
• Melt & Pour Soap: Disperse in a small amount of glycerine or oil before adding to melted base
• Cosmetics (lip, eye, face): Incorporate into the oil phase of your formulation; ensure thorough dispersion to avoid speckling
• Usage rate: Start at 0.1–0.5% and adjust to your desired shade intensity — this is a fairly concentrated lake (36–42% dye content), so build up gradually

Bright, punchy orange-red — one of the most popular reds for bold, eye-catching products

Solid dye concentration (36–42%) for strong colour payoff

Batch-certified with full heavy metal and microbiological testing

Free from the 26 EU allergens, palm oil, and animal-derived materials

Oil dispersible, giving good performance across bath bombs, soap, and cosmetics

Bath bombs and bath fizzers

Cold process and melt & pour soap

Bubble bars and bath truffles

Lip and eye cosmetics

Candle and craft colouring (non-cosmetic use)

Is FD&C Red 40 Aluminum Lake water soluble?

No — lake pigments are insoluble in water. This one has a solubility of ≤0 g/L, so it disperses in oils instead. A dispersant like Polysorbate 80 is recommended for water-based applications like bath bombs.

What's the difference between FD&C Red 40 and the other red lakes you stock?

FD&C Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is one of the most widely used red colourants and gives a bright, true orange-red — distinct from the deeper tones of D&C Red 34 or D&C Red 6, and the pink undertones of D&C Red 33.

What's the difference between a dye and a lake?

A dye is water soluble. A lake is precipitated onto an insoluble substrate, turning it into an oil-dispersible powder better suited to soap, cosmetics, and bath products.

Will this colour fade in cold process soap?

Lake pigments can fade over time in CP soap due to the high pH and saponification process. For longer-lasting colour, oxide or mineral pigments are generally more stable, though lakes are popular for bath bombs and melt & pour where fading is less of an issue.

Is this safe for use around the eyes and lips?

Yes, FD&C Red 40 Aluminum Lake is approved for use in cosmetics including eye, lip, face, and body applications.

What's the recommended usage rate?

Start at around 0.1–0.5% and build up gradually to your desired colour intensity.

Does it contain any allergens or animal-derived ingredients?

No — it's free from the 26 EU-listed allergens, palm oil, preservatives, and pesticides, and is not manufactured from animal or plant raw materials, making it BSE, GMO, and gluten free.

How should I store it?

In its original, tightly sealed container, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, at room temperature below 25°C.

You May Also Need

• Polysorbate 80 (dispersant for bath bomb colours)
• Sodium Bicarbonate & Citric Acid (bath bomb base ingredients)
• Ponceau 4R Aluminium Lake
• Lakes D&C Red 34 Calcium
• Melt & Pour Soap Base