Iron Oxides (CI 77491
Ingredient Info
Iron Oxides (CI 77491) is a naturally derived colorant used to provide red, brown, and yellow tints to skincare and cosmetic products. It's an inert mineral pigment that sits on the skin's surface and doesn't penetrate deeply, making it primarily a coloring agent rather than an active skincare ingredient.
Benefits
- Provides natural color to products without synthetic dyes
- Stable and long-lasting pigment that doesn't fade easily
- Non-toxic mineral alternative to synthetic colorants
Potential concerns
- Minimal risk for most people; however, those with very sensitive skin or metal sensitivities should patch-test first
- Can potentially cause irritation if product formulation is poor or concentration is unusually high
Science: Iron Oxides are widely approved as safe colorants by regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU. Limited peer-reviewed data exists specifically examining consumer skincare use, but decades of cosmetic safety data support their safety profile in topical applications.
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