Ingredient review
Iron Oxide Red
INCI: CI 77491
A safe, widely used mineral pigment that adds red tones to makeup and skincare — unlikely to irritate or clog pores.
In plain English
CI 77491 is a fancy name for red iron oxide, a natural mineral pigment. It's the same stuff that gives rust its reddish color, but in cosmetics it's purified and ground into a fine powder. You'll find it in foundations, blushes, and lipsticks to create warm pink, coral, or red shades. It's considered very safe and gentle on skin, even for sensitive types.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
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
Easy yes for most routines
Iron Oxide Red 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 Oxide Red.
- 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
A naturally occurring iron oxide mineral (Fe₂O₃) that is mined, purified, and micronized into a pigment powder. It is approved by the FDA and EU for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
How it works
It sits on the surface of the skin or product, reflecting and absorbing light to create a visible red color. It does not penetrate the skin or react chemically — it simply tints the product or skin.
Pros
Very safe for sensitive skin
Iron oxides are among the least irritating pigments available, making them ideal for people with rosacea, eczema, or easily irritated skin.
Color stays true over time
Unlike some natural dyes, iron oxides don't fade quickly in sunlight or heat, so your makeup keeps its shade longer.
Cons and cautions
Can stain clothes or skin
If a product isn't well-formulated or if you apply too much, the pigment can transfer onto clothing or leave a temporary tint on skin.
Not water-soluble
Because it's a mineral powder, it needs to be properly mixed into formulas — otherwise it can settle or feel gritty.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a safe, non-irritating red pigment
- People with sensitive or reactive skin who want color cosmetics
Use caution if
- Those with a known allergy to iron oxides (extremely rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
CI 77491 is one of the safest cosmetic pigments available. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users. The FDA and EU both consider it safe for use in all types of cosmetics, including those for the eye area and lips.
Research notes
Multiple safety reviews by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and the FDA have concluded that iron oxides are safe for cosmetic use. No significant health risks have been identified in decades of widespread use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 5% depending on desired shade intensity
- Regulatory status
- Approved by the U.S. FDA as a color additive for cosmetics (21 CFR 73.2250) and listed as safe by the EU CosIng database. No restrictions on concentration in leave-on or rinse-off products.
- Common uses
- Foundations, Blushes, Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, Tinted moisturizers
- Environmental note
- Iron oxides are mined from natural deposits, but the mining process can have environmental impacts. However, they are not known to bioaccumulate or harm aquatic life at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Good to know
- CI 77491 is often combined with CI 77492 (yellow iron oxide) and CI 77499 (black iron oxide) to create a full range of skin tones.
- It is considered non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin.
Common questions
What is Iron Oxide Red in beauty products?
CI 77491 is a fancy name for red iron oxide, a natural mineral pigment. It's the same stuff that gives rust its reddish color, but in cosmetics it's purified and ground into a fine powder. You'll find it in foundations, blushes, and lipsticks to create warm pink, coral, or red shades. It's considered very safe and gentle on skin, even for sensitive types.
What does Iron Oxide Red do in a beauty product?
It sits on the surface of the skin or product, reflecting and absorbing light to create a visible red color. It does not penetrate the skin or react chemically — it simply tints the product or skin.
Is Iron Oxide Red safe for most people?
CI 77491 is one of the safest cosmetic pigments available. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users. The FDA and EU both consider it safe for use in all types of cosmetics, including those for the eye area and lips.
Who should be careful with Iron Oxide Red?
Those with a known allergy to iron oxides (extremely rare)
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.