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Answer: Iron Oxides is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Lip Colour Balm.
TL;DR: Iron Oxides is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (colorant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
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
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Iron Oxideswith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Natural mineral pigments from certified sources; mica-based cosmetics for shimmer applications.
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.
Yes. FDA has approved synthetic iron oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499) for use in eye-area cosmetics.
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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