Iron Oxide (CI 77492

TL;DR. This ingredient is a mineral colorant used to create yellow tones, adjust shade, and add opacity in makeup, tinted skin care, soaps, and some sunscreen formulas.

What does Iron Oxide (CI 77492 do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a mineral colorant used to create yellow tones, adjust shade, and add opacity in makeup, tinted skin care, soaps, and some sunscreen formulas.

Is Iron Oxide (CI 77492 clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, it is broadly accepted and generally well tolerated, including around sensitive skin when cosmetic-grade purity standards are met. The main quality point is trace metal control, which is regulated through cosmetic specifications.

Is Iron Oxide (CI 77492 sustainable?

This material is mineral-based and commonly made for cosmetics to improve purity and color consistency. It is inorganic and not biodegradable, but it is inert, non-volatile, and not associated with meaningful environmental persistence concerns in typical cosmetic use.

Is Iron Oxide (CI 77492 COSMOS-approved?

It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards as an approved mineral colorant when it meets purity requirements. Its Green Chemistry profile is strongest on stability, low reactivity, and low use concentration, though it is not renewable or biodegradable because it is an inorganic pigment.

How does Iron Oxide (CI 77492 work chemically?

The molecule is an inorganic pigment built from a hydrated trivalent metal oxide-hydroxide lattice, which gives strong yellow color through light absorption and scattering. It is typically used from trace tinting levels up to higher single-digit percentages in color cosmetics, and it is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges but can shift color with high heat or strong chemical conditions.

Last updated 2026-05-13