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The facts: Iron Oxides is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Iron Oxides on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. 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 and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | 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 |
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 Oxides with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Iron Oxides is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Lip Colour Balm, bareMinerals ORIGINAL Loose Powder Foundation. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Iron Oxides.
Natural mineral pigments from certified sources; mica-based cosmetics for shimmer applications. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Iron Oxides or other ingredients restricted overseas.
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Audited products that don't contain Iron Oxides.
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