Ingredient Highlight: Iron Oxides in Cosmetics

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Iron Oxides are naturally occuring mineral deposits. These compounds are used as pigments in a variety of applications. Depending on the specific Iron Oxides or mixtures of Iron Oxides used, the color will vary from orange, red, yellow to black. Iron Oxides used in cosmetic and personal care products are synthetic. Some of the starting materials for synthetic Iron Oxide may contain naturally occurring trace amounts of heavy metals. The levels of heavy metals in Iron Oxides are regulated by the FDA, and the small amounts that may eventually be in cosmetic or personal care products do not pose a risk to human health. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database provides a user-friendly material summary on Iron Oxides.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists Iron Oxides as a color additive exempt from certification. Iron Oxides are safe for use in coloring products, including cosmetics and personal care products applied to the lips, and the area of the eye, provided they meet certain specifications.

Click here for more information on the safety and regulatory resouces associated with Iron Oxides use in cosmetics.