Iron Oxides
Mineral pigments – red (CI 77491), yellow (CI 77492), black (CI 77499). Color foundations, BB creams, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and mineral sunscreens. They also block visible light – the only pigments that protect against HEV/blue light. Safe during pregnancy and for sensitive skin.
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, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Iron Oxides are mineral pigments: red (CI 77491, Fe₂O₃), yellow (CI 77492, FeO(OH)), black (CI 77499, Fe₃O₄). Produced synthetically from iron salts by oxidation and heat treatment. Natural iron ores are not used in cosmetics due to heavy metal risk. Where applied. Foundations, BB and CC creams, lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, mineral sunscreens (0.1-15%). They give the full spectrum of natural skin and hair shades by mixing the three base colors. In Spain in Vichy Dermablend, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted, Sesderma Color Repair, Garnier BB creams. Visible light protection. Beyond the decorative function, iron oxides are the only pigments that block HEV/blue light (400-700 nm) and infrared light – both triggers of pigmentation in patients with melasma. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides are more effective than plain sunscreens against melasma (Castanedo-Cazares 2014, RCT in 68 women – additional MASI reduction of 23%). Safety. CIR rated iron oxides safe at cosmetic concentrations (1982, re-evaluated 2017). FDA Class IV pigment, approved for skin and eye contact. Non-irritating, non-allergenic, non-comedogenic. EU SCCS has set no restrictions. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive, acne-prone, and in melasma and pigmentation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Iron Oxides safe during pregnancy?
Iron Oxides is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Iron Oxides for?
Iron Oxides suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Iron Oxides and what does it do in cosmetics?
Mineral pigments – red (CI 77491), yellow (CI 77492), black (CI 77499).
What's the INCI name for Iron Oxides?
The INCI name is Iron Oxides. It may also appear as: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499.
See Iron Oxides in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Isobutane, Isobutylparaben, Isoceteth-10, Isoceteth-20, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Sodium Cholate, Zinc Stearate, CI 61565 (Green 6)
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