Iron Oxide Red
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INCI Name:
CI 77491 (Iron Oxides)
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Molecular Formula:
Fe₂O₃ (Ferric Oxide)
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CAS Number:
1309-37-1
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Alternate Names:
- Red Iron Oxide
- Ferric Oxide Red
- CI 77491 Red Pigment
- Synthetic Iron Oxide Red
- Cosmetic Red Pigment
Key Benefits:
- Provides stable red coloration in cosmetics
- Excellent light and heat stability
- Non-fading, long-lasting pigment performance
- Safe for skin-contact cosmetic applications
- Compatible with creams, powders, and oil-based systems
- Improves color consistency in formulations
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in lipsticks, blushes, foundations, and eyeshadows
- Provides natural-looking red to reddish-brown shades
- Common in skincare tints and cosmetic creams
- Used in soaps, sunscreen, and makeup products
- Works as a stable inorganic colorant
Recommended Usage Level:
- Lipsticks: 1% – 10%
- Foundations/BB creams: 0.1% – 5%
- Blush/eye makeup: 1% – 20%
- Soaps: 0.1% – 3%
- Sunscreens: 0.1% – 2%
How It Works (Short):
- Functions as an inorganic pigment that reflects specific wavelengths of light to produce red color
- Chemically stable ferric oxide structure resists oxidation, UV light, and heat degradation
- Disperses in oil or silicone bases to provide uniform coloration in cosmetic formulations
- Does not dissolve in water or oils; remains as a finely milled suspended pigment
- Provides high opacity and tinting strength depending on particle size
- Enhances formulation aesthetics without reacting with other cosmetic ingredients
FAQs:
Q: Is Iron Oxide Red safe for skin?
A: Yes, it is widely approved for use in cosmetics and is considered safe for topical use.
Q: Does it fade over time?
A: No, it is highly stable and resistant to fading under light and heat.
Q: Is it natural or synthetic?
A: It can be naturally derived or synthetically produced, but cosmetic grades are usually synthetic for consistency.
Q: Can it be used in skincare products?
A: Yes, it is commonly used in tinted creams, sunscreens, and BB creams.
Q: Does it dissolve in water or oil?
A: No, it is an insoluble pigment that must be dispersed.
