Orange 5

What Is It?

In cosmetics and personal care products, Orange 5 (D&C Orange No. 5) and Orange 5 Lake are used in the formulation of blushers, foundations, hair conditioners, lipsticks, rouges and other makeup products.

Why Is It Used?

Orange 5 and Orange 5 Lake impart color to cosmetics and personal care products.

Scientific Facts

Orange 5 is a color belonging to the fluoran class. The fluoran colors are characterized by fluorescence when exposed to light and tend to brighten the appearance of the product, in addition to having an orange hue.

Safety Information

The Food and Drug Adminimstration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of Orange 5 and determined that it may be safely used for coloring cosmetics and personal care products. It is permitted lipstick at concentrations up to 5%. It is not permitted for use in products intended for use in the area of the eye. Orange 5 is also permitted as to be used as a color extenally applied drugs. According to U.S. regulations, all Orange 5 and Orange 5 Lake that are manufactured for use in products is subject to certification by the FDA. This certification process ensures that the strict chemical and identity specifications set by FDA are met. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of these ingredients because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.

All color additives used in foods, drugs and cosmetics in the United States must be approved by FDA and listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. In some cases, FDA requires that each batch of color produced for use in regulated products can be used only if it is certified by the agency to meet strict specifications. FDA maintains a laboratory especially for this purpose and color manufacturers must pay a fee to support this activity. FDA only approves colors after extensive review of all safety data and publication of the basis for its approval in the Federal Register.

You can find out more about FDA regulation of colors at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-col.html

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Orange 5

Orange 5 is listed as CI 45370 in the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union and is a colouring agent allowed for use in all cosmetics and personal care products. 2-(6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl) benzoic acid and 2-(bromo-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl) benzoic acid are limited to 1% and 2%, respectively. The insoluble barium, strontium and zirconium lakes, salts and pigments of Orange 5 are also permitted and must pass the test for insolubility. When used in cosmetic products in the European Union, this ingredient must be called CI 45370.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: 
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…

You can learn more about the regulation and labeling of colors at: 
http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/colors-cosmetics-regulation-and-nomen…

More Scientific Information

Orange 5 is a mixture consisting principally of the sodium salt of 4′,5′-dibromofluorescein and 2′,4′,5′-tribromofluorescein and 2′,4′,5′,7′-tetrabromofluorescein. As a fluorescein color, it exhibits fluorescence properties which means that the absorption of light triggers the emission of light with a longer wavelength. This can have the effect of making the product appear to glow. Fluorescence is named after the mineral fluorite, composed of calcium fluoride, which often exhibits this phenomenon. Orange 5 is soluble in water. Orange 5 Lake is an insoluble pigment used in applications where bleeding of the color is undesirable.