Ingredient review

Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel

INCI: CI 77346

A safe, stable blue pigment for color cosmetics, but those with cobalt sensitivity should check labels.

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In plain English

CI 77346 is a blue pigment made from cobalt and aluminum oxides. It gives makeup products like eyeshadows and lipsticks a vibrant blue color. It's considered safe for most people, but if you have a known allergy to cobalt, you might want to avoid it.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.5Good
3.5/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

CI 77346 is an inorganic pigment, specifically cobalt aluminate blue spinel, created by heating cobalt and aluminum oxides at high temperatures. It's a fine powder that provides a stable, non-bleeding blue color in cosmetics.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, CI 77346 sits on the skin's surface as a colored particle. It doesn't react with skin or absorb; it simply reflects and absorbs light to create a blue hue. Its stability means it won't fade or change color over time.

Pros

Color stability

CI 77346 resists fading from light and heat, so your makeup stays true to color throughout the day.

Low irritation

It's generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing for most people, making it a safe choice for color cosmetics.

Cons and cautions

Cobalt allergy risk

If you have a cobalt allergy, this pigment can cause contact dermatitis. Always patch test if you're unsure.

Limited shade range

It only produces blue shades, so it's not versatile for all color needs. Formulators often blend it with other pigments.

Best for

  • Anyone looking for a blue color in makeup
  • People with normal to oily skin who want long-lasting color

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known cobalt allergy or sensitivity

Usage tips

Always check the ingredient list if you have a known metal allergy.
Use in well-formulated products to avoid chalky application.
Store cosmetics in a cool, dry place to maintain pigment integrity.

Safety summary

CI 77346 is considered safe for cosmetic use by major regulatory bodies. The main concern is for individuals with cobalt allergy, who may experience skin irritation. For the general population, it poses low risk.

Research notes

Studies show that cobalt aluminate blue spinel is non-toxic and non-irritating in cosmetic concentrations. However, cobalt compounds can be sensitizers, so patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically 0.1% to 5% in color cosmetics
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU, and many other regions, subject to purity standards.
Common uses
Eyeshadows, Eyeliners, Lipsticks, Nail polishes, Face powders
Environmental note
Cobalt mining can have environmental impacts, but the pigment itself is stable and does not biodegrade into harmful byproducts in typical use.

Good to know

  • CI 77346 is also used in ceramics and plastics, but cosmetic-grade is purified for safety.
  • It's often listed as 'CI 77346' or 'Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel' on labels.

Common questions

What is Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel in beauty products?

CI 77346 is a blue pigment made from cobalt and aluminum oxides. It gives makeup products like eyeshadows and lipsticks a vibrant blue color. It's considered safe for most people, but if you have a known allergy to cobalt, you might want to avoid it.

What does Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, CI 77346 sits on the skin's surface as a colored particle. It doesn't react with skin or absorb; it simply reflects and absorbs light to create a blue hue. Its stability means it won't fade or change color over time.

Is Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel safe for most people?

CI 77346 is considered safe for cosmetic use by major regulatory bodies. The main concern is for individuals with cobalt allergy, who may experience skin irritation. For the general population, it poses low risk.

Who should be careful with Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel?

Individuals with known cobalt allergy or sensitivity

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of Cobalt AluminateOpenFDA Color Additive Status ListOpenPubMed - Cobalt Allergy and CosmeticsOpen

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.