CI 77491/ CI 77492/ CI 77499

TL;DR. This ingredient is used as an inorganic colorant, giving cosmetics red, yellow, brown, and black tones in products like makeup, sunscreens, soaps, and skincare tints. It also adds opacity and coverage in pigmented formulas.

What does CI 77491/ CI 77492/ CI 77499 do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is used as an inorganic colorant, giving cosmetics red, yellow, brown, and black tones in products like makeup, sunscreens, soaps, and skincare tints. It also adds opacity and coverage in pigmented formulas.

Is CI 77491/ CI 77492/ CI 77499 clean?

From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, non-fragrant, and not a common sensitizer. The main quality consideration is regulatory purity testing for trace heavy metals, which reputable cosmetic grades are required to meet.

Is CI 77491/ CI 77492/ CI 77499 sustainable?

This material is mineral-derived or synthetically produced from mineral feedstocks, so it is not renewable in the same way plant ingredients are. It is not biodegradable, but it is insoluble, inorganic, and not associated with organic persistence or bioaccumulation concerns.

Is CI 77491/ CI 77492/ CI 77499 COSMOS-approved?

It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when it meets cosmetic colorant and purity requirements. Its Green Chemistry fit is strongest on stability, low reactivity, and low irritation, and weaker on renewable sourcing and biodegradability.

How does CI 77491/ CI 77492/ CI 77499 work chemically?

This compound is an inorganic pigment system built from crystalline metal-and-oxygen lattices, with different lattice forms producing red, yellow, and black color effects. It is highly stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, insoluble in water and oils, and is typically dispersed rather than dissolved, often requiring good milling and wetting agents for even color payoff.

Last updated 2026-05-13