Is CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine) is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (colorant).
INCI name CI 19140. Also called Yellow 5. CAS 1934-21-0.
Other names: FD&C Yellow 5, Tartrazine, Yellow 5 (cosmetic)
Is CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Various yellow-colored shampoos and soaps, Some OGX and Herbal Essences products |
| CAS number | 1934-21-0 |
What is CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine)?
CI 19140 (tartrazine) is an azo dye that produces a bright lemon-yellow color. It is approved for use in food (as FD&C Yellow 5) and cosmetics in the US. In cosmetics, it is used in products applied to the skin, nails, and hair.
Why is CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine) used in personal-care products?
Provides yellow coloring in shampoos, soaps, bath products, and some color cosmetics.
Is CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine) dangerous? Documented risks
CI 19140 is considered safe for cosmetic use by the CIR when used at regulated concentrations in rinse-off and leave-on external products (excluding eye area). The EU restricts its use and requires allergen labeling for tartrazine-sensitive individuals. It is not approved for use in products applied near the eyes in the EU. Some aspirin-sensitive individuals may also react to tartrazine. There is no evidence of carcinogenicity or systemic toxicity from topical cosmetic use.
Products that may contain CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine)
- Original Fruits Cherry Assorted Fruit Flavored CandyMike and Ike
- Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body LotionBath & Body Works
- NYX Soft Matte Lip CreamNYX
- L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin LipstickL'Oréal
- Revlon Super Lustrous LipstickRevlon
- NYX Butter Gloss Lip GlossNYX
- Maybelline Eyeshadow PaletteMaybelline
- e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettee.l.f.
How to avoid CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine): safer alternatives
Beta-carotene or turmeric extract (CI 75300) for yellow coloring with a more natural origin.
Frequently asked questions about CI 19140 (Yellow 5 / Tartrazine)
Is Yellow 5 in cosmetics the same as in food?
Yes, same molecule (tartrazine). The safety profiles for topical cosmetic use are generally considered even more favorable than for ingested use.
Is CI 19140 banned in the EU?
Not banned, but restricted in EU cosmetics — it is listed with specific conditions and requires allergen labeling for some applications.
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Sources
- FDA Cosmetic Color Additives — FD&C Yellow 5 — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EWG Skin Deep: CI 19140 — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.