Is Iron Oxides Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Iron Oxides is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (colorant).
INCI name IRON OXIDES. Also called Cosmetic-grade Iron Oxides. CAS 1309-37-1.
Other names: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Red Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide
Is Iron Oxides banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Lip Colour Balm, bareMinerals ORIGINAL Loose Powder Foundation |
| CAS number | 1309-37-1 |
What is Iron Oxides?
Iron oxides are inorganic mineral pigments used to produce a range of colors in cosmetics: CI 77491 (red), CI 77492 (yellow), CI 77499 (black). These synthetic cosmetic-grade iron oxides are specifically manufactured for purity and to avoid the heavy metal impurities present in natural iron ores.
Why is Iron Oxides used in personal-care products?
Used as colorants in foundations, blushes, eyeshadows, lip products, and other color cosmetics. They are exceptionally stable, non-bleeding, and provide natural skin-tone shades.
Is Iron Oxides dangerous? Documented risks
Cosmetic-grade iron oxides are among the safest colorants used in personal care products. They are inert, non-reactive, non-carcinogenic, and non-irritating. They do not penetrate intact skin. FDA and EU have approved them for use in a wide range of cosmetic applications including eye area products. The key safety requirement is that cosmetic-grade iron oxides must be synthetically produced (not mined) to ensure they are free from harmful heavy metal contaminants.
Products that may contain Iron Oxides
- NYX Soft Matte Lip CreamNYX
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless FoundationMaybelline
- L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable FoundationL'Oréal
- CoverGirl TruBlend Micro Mineral FoundationCoverGirl
- e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundatione.l.f.
- Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily SkinRevlon
- NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop FoundationNYX
- Maybelline Great Lash MascaraMaybelline
How to avoid Iron Oxides: safer alternatives
Natural mineral pigments from certified sources; mica-based cosmetics for shimmer applications.
Frequently asked questions about Iron Oxides
Are iron oxides natural?
Cosmetic-grade iron oxides are synthetically manufactured for purity. While iron oxides exist naturally in minerals, cosmetic-grade versions must be synthetic to avoid heavy metal contamination.
Are iron oxides safe around the eyes?
Yes. FDA has approved synthetic iron oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499) for use in eye-area cosmetics.
Do iron oxides provide UV protection?
Yes. Cosmetic iron oxides, particularly red and black forms, provide meaningful protection against visible light and some UVA radiation, complementing mineral sunscreen filters.
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Sources
- FDA Color Additives — Iron Oxides in Cosmetics — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EWG Skin Deep: Iron Oxides — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.