Ingredient review
Sodium Aluminum Iron Citrate Hydroxide Sulfate
INCI: SODIUM/ALUMINUM/IRON/SULFATE/CITRATE/HYDROXIDE
A safe, mineral-based colorant used in makeup to provide opacity and tint, with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
This ingredient is a mineral blend that gives color and opacity to makeup products like foundation and eyeshadow. It is made from natural elements like sodium, aluminum, iron, and sulfur, processed to be safe for skin contact. Think of it as a tiny, inert pigment particle that sits on the skin's surface without being absorbed.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Useful in the right context, but not low-maintenance
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
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Read the cautions before using
Sodium Aluminum Iron Citrate Hydroxide Sulfate 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 Sodium Aluminum Iron Citrate Hydroxide Sulfate.
- 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
A complex mineral salt composed of sodium, aluminum, iron, sulfate, citrate, and hydroxide ions, used as a pigment or opacifier in cosmetics.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient acts as a physical colorant. Its fine particles scatter and absorb light, creating the desired shade and covering power. It does not chemically react with the skin but simply sits on the surface to provide color and opacity.
Pros
Low irritation risk
As a mineral pigment, it rarely causes skin reactions, making it suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.
Stable color
It resists fading and color changes over time, ensuring your makeup looks consistent from application to removal.
Cons and cautions
Limited research on aluminum
While generally considered safe, some consumers prefer to avoid aluminum-based ingredients due to ongoing research about potential long-term effects.
Not for transparent formulas
Its opacity makes it unsuitable for sheer or lightweight products like tinted moisturizers or glosses.
Best for
- Anyone using color cosmetics who wants reliable, non-irritating pigmentation
- People with normal to oily skin looking for long-wear makeup
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivity to aluminum compounds (rare)
- Those seeking completely aluminum-free cosmetics
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The aluminum content is bound in a stable salt form, minimizing absorption. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have reviewed similar mineral pigments and found them safe.
Research notes
Limited direct studies on this specific complex, but it is chemically similar to other approved mineral colorants. Safety is inferred from the long history of use of aluminum and iron oxides in cosmetics.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically less than 5% in color cosmetics
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and most other regions, subject to purity standards for heavy metals.
- Common uses
- Foundations, Concealers, Powders, Eye shadows
- Environmental note
- Mining of aluminum and iron can have environmental impacts, but the quantities used in cosmetics are very small.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed alongside other mineral colorants in makeup ingredient lists.
- It is not water-soluble and requires proper dispersion in oil or wax phases during formulation.
Common questions
What is Sodium Aluminum Iron Citrate Hydroxide Sulfate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a mineral blend that gives color and opacity to makeup products like foundation and eyeshadow. It is made from natural elements like sodium, aluminum, iron, and sulfur, processed to be safe for skin contact. Think of it as a tiny, inert pigment particle that sits on the skin's surface without being absorbed.
What does Sodium Aluminum Iron Citrate Hydroxide Sulfate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient acts as a physical colorant. Its fine particles scatter and absorb light, creating the desired shade and covering power. It does not chemically react with the skin but simply sits on the surface to provide color and opacity.
Is Sodium Aluminum Iron Citrate Hydroxide Sulfate safe for most people?
Considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The aluminum content is bound in a stable salt form, minimizing absorption. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have reviewed similar mineral pigments and found them safe.
Who should be careful with Sodium Aluminum Iron Citrate Hydroxide Sulfate?
Individuals with known sensitivity to aluminum compounds (rare) Those seeking completely aluminum-free cosmetics
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.