Ingredient dictionary

Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

Also listed as: FD&C Yellow No. 5, Tartrazine

A synthetic yellow dye, also called FD&C Yellow No. 5 or tartrazine, used to give a product its yellow color. It is on the label of 21 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Yellow 5 (CI 19140) does

Adds a bright yellow color
Helps match a product's target shade
Blends evenly into water-based formulas

Yellow 5 is a synthetic azo dye, meaning it is made in a lab from petroleum-based chemicals rather than taken from plants or minerals. Azo dyes are a large family of colorants built around a nitrogen-to-nitrogen link. Its CI number, 19140, is the code the Color Index uses to identify it worldwide.

Formulators use it because it dissolves easily in water, so it spreads evenly through shampoos, cleansers and washes. A small amount gives a clear yellow tint and adds no scent or texture. It is often mixed with other colors to reach a specific shade.

Good for

Suits people who like a yellow product color and do not react to synthetic dyes. Most skin and hair types tolerate it well.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yellow 5 safe to use in skincare?

Yellow 5 is widely used in cosmetics and is generally well tolerated. Like any synthetic dye, it can bother someone with a sensitivity to colorants. If your skin reacts easily, try a patch test on a small area first.

Is Yellow 5 the same as tartrazine?

Yes. Tartrazine is the common chemical name for FD&C Yellow No. 5, so the two names point to the same dye. You may see either one on a label or in a product listing, and both mean the same colorant.