Red 30 Lake Good Colouring Agent/Pigment No known benefits Red 30 Lake at a glance Pigment used to add colour to makeup skin care and drugs Also known as D&C Red No. 30 Lake Ruled safe in its current use Red 30 Lake description Red 30 lake is a synthetic pigment used to add colour to makeup, skin care and drugs. The term lake refers to the process of transforming a pigment from a solid to a solution, usually using a metallic salt. This makes it insoluble in water. It is also known as D&C Red No. 30 Lake, with the “D&C” indicating it’s approved for use in drugs and cosmetics. The United States Food and Drug Administration has ruled Red 30 lake safe in its current use.