CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red)

Evidence by route

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.

Tolerability and safety

Skin types

Frequently asked questions