Ingredient review
Iron Hydroxide
INCI: Iron Hydroxide
A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that gives warm yellow tones to makeup and skincare tints.
In plain English
Iron hydroxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is ground into a fine powder and used to color cosmetics. It is the ingredient that gives many foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows their yellow or ochre shades. Unlike some synthetic dyes, it is generally very gentle on the skin and rarely causes irritation or breakouts.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is relatively strong for its common cosmetic role.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- strong
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Iron Hydroxide 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 Iron Hydroxide.
- 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
strongThere is a stronger practical or research basis for the ingredient role described here.
What it is
Iron hydroxide is an inorganic compound composed of iron, oxygen, and hydrogen. In cosmetics, it is used as a pigment, often listed as CI 77492. It is one of several iron oxides approved for use in color cosmetics worldwide.
How it works
As a pigment, iron hydroxide sits on the surface of the skin and reflects light in the yellow wavelength. It does not penetrate the skin or react chemically with it. Its primary job is to provide color, and it is often blended with other iron oxides (red, black) to create a wide range of skin tones.
Pros
Extremely gentle on skin
Iron hydroxide is a mineral that rarely causes irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin and even for use around the eyes.
Versatile color blending
It can be mixed with other iron oxides to create a wide spectrum of skin tones, from fair to deep, in foundations and concealers.
Cons and cautions
Limited to color only
Iron hydroxide provides no skincare benefits like hydration, protection, or anti-aging. It is purely a colorant.
Potential for staining
If not properly set with powder or a setting spray, the pigment can transfer onto clothing or pillowcases and may leave a yellow stain.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a gentle, non-irritating yellow pigment in makeup
- People with sensitive skin who react to synthetic dyes
Use caution if
- Those who prefer completely colorless or transparent makeup products
Usage tips
Safety summary
Iron hydroxide is one of the safest cosmetic colorants available. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has deemed it safe as used in cosmetics.
Research notes
Multiple regulatory bodies have reviewed iron oxides, including iron hydroxide, and found no evidence of carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or skin sensitization at cosmetic use levels. Studies confirm it does not penetrate the skin barrier.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 10% depending on desired shade intensity
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU (CosIng), and many other countries. No concentration limits are imposed for topical use.
- Common uses
- Foundations, Concealers, Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, Blushes, Tinted moisturizers
- Environmental note
- Iron hydroxide is mined from natural mineral deposits. Mining can have environmental impacts, but the ingredient itself is not considered a pollutant in typical cosmetic concentrations.
Good to know
- Iron hydroxide is often listed as CI 77492 on ingredient labels.
- It is considered safe by the FDA, EU CosIng, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel.
- It is not absorbed through the skin and poses no known health risks in cosmetic use.
Common questions
What is Iron Hydroxide in beauty products?
Iron hydroxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is ground into a fine powder and used to color cosmetics. It is the ingredient that gives many foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows their yellow or ochre shades. Unlike some synthetic dyes, it is generally very gentle on the skin and rarely causes irritation or breakouts.
What does Iron Hydroxide do in a beauty product?
As a pigment, iron hydroxide sits on the surface of the skin and reflects light in the yellow wavelength. It does not penetrate the skin or react chemically with it. Its primary job is to provide color, and it is often blended with other iron oxides (red, black) to create a wide range of skin tones.
Is Iron Hydroxide safe for most people?
Iron hydroxide is one of the safest cosmetic colorants available. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has deemed it safe as used in cosmetics.
Who should be careful with Iron Hydroxide?
Those who prefer completely colorless or transparent makeup products
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.