Ingredient Breakdown: Iron Oxides

Like most makeup users, you’re probably curious about the ingredients used to make your cosmetic products. Are they safe? Are they made using natural ingredients? How will using the products for a long time affect your skin?

An interesting article written by Havard Health revealed that ladies use about 12 cosmetic products daily. That is a lot of products for you not to check what you’re exposing your skin to! If you’ve come across iron oxides listed in ingredient lists, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about this compound, including what it is and whether it’s safe for use.

What Are Iron Oxides?

Unlike most cosmetic ingredients, iron oxides often look out of place in makeup and skincare products. They sound more like an ingredient you’d come across when buying products from your local hardware store. However, iron oxides are very common in cosmetic products.

Iron oxides, a mineral compound consisting of oxygen and iron, are widely used as colouring agents. They have been a key cosmetic ingredient since 1900 and are naturally occurring. There are multiple types of iron oxides, but chances are that you know the most common form; rust. And no, your favourite cosmetic brand isn’t using rust in their products. There are over 16 variations of iron oxides to choose from. Most of the time, manufacturers use synthetic iron oxides that have been pigmented under controlled conditions and derived from minerals to maintain their quality.

The US Food and Drug Administration has strict regulatory practices highlighting how synthetic iron oxides should be produced. Even though it states that colour additives require approval before use, iron oxides are exempt from certification and can be used in cosmetics.

What Are the Benefits of Using Iron Oxides

The primary benefit of using iron oxides in cosmetic products is that they provide pigment to products. They are the reason your makeup comes in an infinite number of shades and colours so that you can always find your perfect match. This compound has also been proven to have UV protection benefits, and some dermatologists say it’s great at protecting your skin against visible light. However, most makeup enthusiasts fail to recognize that visible light is as damaging as UV light. In fact, exposure to visible light can worsen skin conditions such as melasma. A study even revealed that sunscreen products infused with iron oxides offer more protection against sun-induced pigmentation, specifically in people with deeper complexions.

Iron oxides have also been linked with enhanced protection from blue light that’s often emitted by electronic devices and computer screens. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published a study supporting this and confirmed that the benefits were even more profound when the iron oxides and zinc oxide, which is an active ingredient in sunscreens, were combined.

When iron oxides are used in sunscreens, they give it a beautiful tint that reduces the white cast associated with most products. They also have reflective properties that reduce the appearance of imperfections on your skin and make your skin appear more even.

How Often Can You Use Iron Oxides

You can use products with iron oxides daily without any visible side effects. This mineral is well tolerated, even by people with sensitive skin. There’s also a high chance that the cosmetic products you’re using already have iron oxides. However, it should be noted that this mineral component has a large molecular structure. So, when it’s in a solution, it can fall out or sink to the bottom. If you have cream or liquid products with iron oxide, make sure you shake them before using them to ensure you properly disperse the pigments.

Why Do Companies Use Iron Oxides in Their Products?

Skincare and cosmetic companies use iron oxides to create various shades and hues for different skin tones. This compound is also very stable and moisture-resistant, so it doesn’t smear easily.

What Is the Difference Between Yellow Iron Oxide vs. Black Iron Oxide vs. Red Iron Oxides?

Red (CI 77491), yellow (CI 77492), and black (CI 77499) are the three main shades of iron oxides. Other than the colour differences, they also have different physical properties. For instance, black and yellow iron oxides are sensitive to high temperatures.

Their origins also vary, black iron oxide comes from magnetite, yellow iron oxides are derived from limonites, while red iron oxide is obtained from Hematite.

The Final Verdict: Are Iron Oxides Safe?

Yes. This mineral component can be tolerated by all types of skins, including sensitive ones, and doesn’t have any notable side effects, according to the Dermatology Review. Cosmetic companies also use synthetic iron oxides manufactured in the lab for quality control.

Curious to find products with Iron Oxides in our app? Premium members can now search for products by ingredient name! Download our app on IOS or Android today.

Disclosure: We are a professional review and product rating website and mobile app that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review and rate. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own interpretations of a trusted source. This blog post may contain affiliate links.