Iron Oxide Yellow
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INCI Name:
CI 77492 (Iron Oxides)
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Molecular Formula:
FeO(OH) · H₂O (hydrated ferric oxide / goethite form)
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CAS Number:
51274-00-1
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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.
