Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492 / 17049) Cosmetic Pigment

Iron Oxide Yellow

• INCI Name:
  CI 77492 (Iron Oxides)
• Molecular Formula:
  FeO(OH) · H₂O (hydrated ferric oxide / goethite form)
• CAS Number:
  51274-00-1
• Alternate Names:
  • Yellow Iron Oxide
  • Ferric Oxyhydroxide
  • CI 77492 Yellow Pigment
  • Synthetic Iron Oxide Yellow
  • Cosmetic Yellow Pigment

Key Benefits:

• Provides stable yellow coloration in cosmetics
• Excellent light, heat, and UV stability
• Non-toxic and skin-safe colorant
• Strong tinting strength with good coverage
• Compatible with oil, silicone, and powder systems
• Does not fade easily in finished products

Benefits & Uses (Short):

• Used in foundations, BB creams, concealers, and lip products
• Provides natural beige, tan, and golden shades when blended
• Common in sunscreens and skincare tinting formulas
• Used in soaps, powders, and decorative cosmetics
• Helps create skin-tone matching formulations

Recommended Usage Level:

• Foundations/BB creams: 0.1% – 5%
• Lipsticks: 0.5% – 10%
• Blush/eye products: 1% – 15%
• Soaps: 0.1% – 3%
• Sunscreens: 0.1% – 2%

How It Works (Short):

• Works as an inorganic pigment that reflects and absorbs specific light wavelengths to produce yellow coloration
• Based on hydrated iron oxide structure that provides strong stability against heat, light, and oxidation
• Remains insoluble and is dispersed uniformly in cosmetic bases (oil/silicone systems)
• When blended with red and black iron oxides, it creates a wide range of natural skin tones
• Particle size influences opacity, coverage, and shade intensity
• Chemically inert, making it highly compatible with most cosmetic formulations

FAQs:

Q: Is Iron Oxide Yellow safe for cosmetics?
A: Yes, it is globally approved and widely used in makeup and skincare products.

Q: Can it be used on sensitive skin?
A: Yes, it is non-irritating and considered safe for sensitive skin formulations.

Q: Does it dissolve in oil or water?
A: No, it is insoluble and must be dispersed in formulations.

Q: What is it mainly used for?
A: It is mainly used for creating natural skin-tone shades in makeup products.

Q: Is it natural or synthetic?
A: It can be natural or synthetic, but cosmetic-grade is usually synthetically controlled for purity and consistency.