Authority source
Safety basis: FDA
FDA
Iron oxides
Iron oxideCI 77491CI 77492CI 77499
Colorant
Iron oxides are minerals that give color to products. They are often used in cosmetics and personal care products to create a range of colors, from yellow to black.
What it is
Iron oxides are naturally occurring minerals that are used to create color in products.
Found in
cosmetics, personal care products, food colorings, pharmaceuticals
The concern
No significant concerns identified
Legal status
Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products by FDA, EU, and other regulatory agencies.
Low Concern
Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Video explainer
Why Iron Rusts: The Science Behind Iron Oxide #Rust #IronOxide #ScienceExplained #ChemistryFacts
Video
Sci & Tech Kingdom
Watch videoCommunity questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Blue 1
Another colorant in the reviewed ingredient set.
Yellow 5
Another colorant in the reviewed ingredient set.
Talc
Another pigment or mineral ingredient commonly checked in colorant-heavy formulas.
Titanium Dioxide
Another pigment or mineral ingredient commonly checked in colorant-heavy formulas.
Zinc Oxide
Another pigment or mineral ingredient commonly checked in colorant-heavy formulas.
Red 40
Another pigment or mineral ingredient commonly checked in colorant-heavy formulas.
Last updated: June 16, 2026