Ingredient review
CI 77745
INCI: CI 77745
CI 77745 is a safe, widely used blue pigment in color cosmetics, but it's not a skincare active ingredient.
In plain English
CI 77745 is a synthetic blue pigment, also known as Prussian Blue or Iron Blue. It's used to give makeup products like eyeshadows, eyeliners, and lipsticks a blue color. It's not an active skincare ingredient—it's purely for color. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU CosIng have approved it for use in cosmetics, and it's generally considered safe at the low concentrations used in makeup. However, it's not water-soluble and can be messy to work with, and some people may experience mild irritation if they have very sensitive skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
CI 77745 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging CI 77745.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
CI 77745 is a synthetic inorganic pigment, chemically known as ferric ferrocyanide. It's a bright blue powder that's insoluble in water, making it stable in many cosmetic formulations.
How it works
In cosmetics, CI 77745 works by reflecting and absorbing light to produce a blue color. It's mixed into the product base (like a powder or cream) to give it a uniform blue shade. It doesn't interact with the skin beyond sitting on the surface as a colorant.
Pros
Vibrant color payoff
CI 77745 delivers a strong, true blue shade that's hard to achieve with natural pigments, making it a favorite for bold makeup looks.
Regulatory approval
Approved by the FDA and EU CosIng for use in cosmetics, so you can trust it's been evaluated for safety at typical use levels.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefits
This is purely a colorant—it won't hydrate, protect, or improve your skin. Don't expect any active skincare effects.
Potential messiness
As a fine powder, it can be dusty and difficult to clean up if spilled, and it may stain fabrics or surfaces.
Best for
- Anyone looking for blue color in makeup
- People who enjoy colorful eyeshadows or eyeliners
Use caution if
- Those with extremely sensitive skin or known allergies to iron compounds
Usage tips
Safety summary
CI 77745 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at the low concentrations typically found in makeup. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, but as with any colorant, individuals with very sensitive skin should patch test first.
Research notes
Research on CI 77745 focuses on its use as a colorant, not a skincare active. It's been evaluated by safety panels like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and found safe for use in cosmetics when formulated properly.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at low levels, often under 5% in color cosmetics.
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA (as a color additive) and EU CosIng. It's listed under the Color Additive List for use in eye area products in the US.
- Common uses
- Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Mascaras, Lipsticks, Nail polishes
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic pigment, its production involves mining and chemical processing, which can have environmental impacts. However, it's not known to be bioaccumulative in the environment at cosmetic use levels.
Good to know
- CI 77745 is also known as Prussian Blue, a pigment with a long history in art and textiles.
- It's often combined with other pigments to create custom shades in makeup.
Common questions
What is CI 77745 in beauty products?
CI 77745 is a synthetic blue pigment, also known as Prussian Blue or Iron Blue. It's used to give makeup products like eyeshadows, eyeliners, and lipsticks a blue color. It's not an active skincare ingredient—it's purely for color. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU CosIng have approved it for use in cosmetics, and it's generally considered safe at the low concentrations used in makeup. However, it's not water-soluble and can be messy to work with, and some people may experience mild irritation if they have very sensitive skin.
What does CI 77745 do in a beauty product?
In cosmetics, CI 77745 works by reflecting and absorbing light to produce a blue color. It's mixed into the product base (like a powder or cream) to give it a uniform blue shade. It doesn't interact with the skin beyond sitting on the surface as a colorant.
Is CI 77745 safe for most people?
CI 77745 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at the low concentrations typically found in makeup. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, but as with any colorant, individuals with very sensitive skin should patch test first.
Who should be careful with CI 77745?
Those with extremely sensitive skin or known allergies to iron compounds
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.