Iron Oxide (CI 77489)

Iron oxide (CI 77489) is an inorganic mineral pigment processed to cosmetic-grade purity. It imparts a stable grayish tint and opacity in makeup and tinted skincare, valued for durability, lightfastness, and low reactivity across formulas.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A mineral pigment that gives makeup a stable grayish tint.
Category
Color
Type
Pigment

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Offers dependable color payoff and can help diffuse the look of minor unevenness while remaining largely inert in blends.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in foundations, pressed powders, and tinted moisturizers to build shade depth or fine-tune undertones.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Cosmetic-grade iron oxides are regarded as low-irritation and are approved as color additives in many regions with strict purity limits. Suitable for use around the eyes in jurisdictions that permit it. Rare sensitivity is possible but uncommon.

Is Iron Oxide (CI 77489) a Good Ingredient?

Rated Great as a highly stable, inert inorganic pigment that provides reliable color with very low irritation potential and excellent formulation compatibility. It's widely used because it performs consistently and resists oxidation or light degradation, a dependability that earns the top rating.

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