CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red)
Red mineral pigment based on iron oxide. Gives warm tones in foundations, lipsticks and blushes.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491) is a mineral pigment, synthetic iron oxide Fe2O3 (hematite). Produced by calcining iron salts at high temperature. Color: dark red to brick red. One of three base iron oxides in cosmetics (red CI 77491, yellow CI 77492, black CI 77499) – their blends produce all natural skin shades. Where applied. Foundations, BB and CC creams, concealers, blushes, lipsticks, mineral decorative cosmetics. Concentration 0.1-20%. In Spain – in La Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint, Avène Couvrance, Eucerin DermoPure Cover Stick, ISDIN Fotoprotector Compact, Bare Minerals. Mechanism. Pure mineral pigment. Does not react with skin, does not penetrate the epidermis (molecule too large). Colors the surface via light reflection and scattering. Stable to UV, temperature, oxidizers. Does not fade. Additional effect. Iron oxides have weak UV-filtering and visible-light-filtering activity (Lyons 2021). In tinted sunscreens, adding 3-5% iron oxides protects against visible light (HEV, 400-700 nm), critical for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – standard UV filters do not protect against HEV. Evidence base. Functional pigment; no evidence base as an "active" ingredient. RCTs of tinted foundations with iron oxides in melasma (Castanedo-Cazares 2014, Boukari 2015) showed better recurrence-prevention efficacy than standard SPF without pigments. Safety. CIR confirmed safety across use concentrations. SCCS imposed no restrictions. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. Zero systemic absorption. Non-sensitizing. Permitted everywhere, including lip and mucosal products. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. Safe on the nipple during breastfeeding. Suitable for. Universal in decorative and tinted cosmetics. Especially valuable in tinted sunscreens for melasma, post-acne pigmentation, rosacea.
Frequently asked questions
Is CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red) safe during pregnancy?
CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red) is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red) for?
CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red) suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red) and what does it do in cosmetics?
Red mineral pigment based on iron oxide.
What's the INCI name for CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red)?
The INCI name is CI 77491. It may also appear as: Iron Oxide Red, Iron Oxides (CI 77491).
See CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red) in a product composition right on the store page
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