Iron Oxide Red - Cosmetic Pigment

Iron Oxide Red

• INCI Name:
  CI 77491 (Iron Oxides)
• Molecular Formula:
  Fe₂O₃ (Ferric Oxide)
• CAS Number:
  1309-37-1
• 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.