Lake Pigment - D&C Red 6 Sodium

• Product Name: D&C Red 6 Sodium Salt
• CI Name: CI 15850 (Sodium Salt)
• CAS No: 5858-81-1
• EINECS No: 227-497-9
• Characteristic: Red powder
• Odour: Tasteless
• Pure Dye Content: 90.0%
• 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)

How to Use

• Bath Bombs: Dissolve a small amount in a little water first, then add to your liquid phase for even colour dispersal through the fizz
• Soap Making (CP/HP): Dissolve in your water phase before combining with lye or oils — because this is a true dye (not a lake), expect more bleeding/migration in finished bars than with lake pigments
• Cosmetics: Best suited to water-based formulations rather than oil phases, given its water solubility
• Usage rate: Start extremely small — around 0.01–0.05% — given the very high 90% dye content; this is far more concentrated than typical lake pigments

• Extremely high dye concentration (90%) — a tiny amount goes a very long way
• True water-soluble dye, ideal for colouring bath water and liquid formulations
• Batch-certified with full heavy metal and microbiological testing
• Free from the 26 EU allergens, palm oil, and animal-derived materials

Typical Applications

• Bath bombs and bath fizzers (colouring the water)
• Liquid soap and shower gel
• Water-based cosmetic formulations
• Blending with lake pigments for custom shade development

• Approved for use in cosmetics
• Classified as not hazardous to human health (SDS Section 2); hazardous to aquatic life (Category 2) — avoid release to waterways
• Not classified for skin/eye irritation or sensitisation
• Avoid inhaling dust during handling; standard PPE (gloves, dust mask) recommended when weighing out — this dye stains readily, so take care with clothing and surfaces
• Store in original, tightly sealed, opaque container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Is D&C Red 6 Sodium Salt the same as D&C Red 6 Barium Lake?

No — they share the same base colourant (CI 15850) but are different forms. The Barium Lake is precipitated onto an insoluble substrate for oil dispersion, while the Sodium Salt is the water-soluble straight dye form, best for colouring water phases directly.

How much should I use?

Start very small — around 0.01–0.05% — since this is a highly concentrated dye at 90% content. It's much stronger than lake pigments, so a little truly goes a long way.

Will this stain my equipment or hands?

Yes, being a true water-soluble dye, it can stain skin, tools, and surfaces more readily than lake pigments. Gloves and care during handling are recommended.

Can I use this in cold process soap?

It can be used, but expect more colour migration and potential bleeding compared to lake pigments, since it's fully water soluble. Test in a small batch first.

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

• Lakes D&C Red 6 Barium
• Lakes D&C Red 7 Calcium
• Sodium Bicarbonate & Citric Acid (bath bomb base ingredients)
• Melt & Pour Soap Base