Ingredient review
Iron Oxide Yellow
INCI: CI 77492
A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides yellow color in makeup and skincare, widely accepted for sensitive skin.
In plain English
CI 77492 is a yellow iron oxide pigment, essentially a purified form of rust. It's a mineral colorant that's been used safely for decades in cosmetics to create warm, yellow tones in foundations, concealers, and other color products. Unlike some synthetic dyes, it's generally very gentle on skin and rarely causes irritation.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow.
- 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
CI 77492 is a synthetic or naturally derived iron oxide pigment that produces a yellow color. It is one of several iron oxides (including red CI 77491 and black CI 77499) commonly blended to create a wide range of skin-tone shades.
How it works
As a pigment, CI 77492 works by reflecting and absorbing specific wavelengths of light, giving the product a yellow appearance. It sits on the skin's surface and does not penetrate, providing color without chemical interaction with skin cells.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Iron oxides are mineral pigments that rarely cause irritation or allergic reactions, making them suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Non-comedogenic
Unlike some organic dyes, CI 77492 does not clog pores, so it's a good choice for acne-prone individuals who still want color in their makeup.
Cons and cautions
Can stain fabrics
Yellow iron oxide can transfer onto clothing or towels, especially in cream or liquid formulations, and may leave a yellow mark that is difficult to remove.
Limited to yellow shades
On its own, CI 77492 only provides yellow color; it must be blended with other iron oxides to create natural skin tones, which adds complexity to formulation.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a safe, non-toxic colorant in makeup
- People with sensitive or acne-prone skin who need gentle pigments
Use caution if
- Individuals with known iron oxide allergy (extremely rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
CI 77492 is considered one of the safest cosmetic colorants. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users. No significant safety concerns have been identified in decades of use.
Research notes
Extensive safety reviews by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and the FDA have confirmed iron oxides as safe for cosmetic use. Studies show no evidence of skin irritation, sensitization, or systemic toxicity at typical exposure levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 5% depending on desired shade intensity
- Regulatory status
- Approved as a color additive for cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (EC), with no restrictions on concentration for external use.
- Common uses
- Foundations, Concealers, Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, Blushes, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Iron oxides are naturally occurring minerals; mining and processing have some environmental impact, but they are generally considered more eco-friendly than synthetic organic dyes.
Good to know
- CI 77492 is approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics, including products applied around the eyes.
- It is often listed alongside CI 77491 (red) and CI 77499 (black) on ingredient labels to create a full spectrum of skin shades.
Common questions
What is Iron Oxide Yellow in beauty products?
CI 77492 is a yellow iron oxide pigment, essentially a purified form of rust. It's a mineral colorant that's been used safely for decades in cosmetics to create warm, yellow tones in foundations, concealers, and other color products. Unlike some synthetic dyes, it's generally very gentle on skin and rarely causes irritation.
What does Iron Oxide Yellow do in a beauty product?
As a pigment, CI 77492 works by reflecting and absorbing specific wavelengths of light, giving the product a yellow appearance. It sits on the skin's surface and does not penetrate, providing color without chemical interaction with skin cells.
Is Iron Oxide Yellow safe for most people?
CI 77492 is considered one of the safest cosmetic colorants. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users. No significant safety concerns have been identified in decades of use.
Who should be careful with Iron Oxide Yellow?
Individuals with known iron oxide allergy (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.