Iron oxides (CI 77499)
Iron oxides (CI 77499) are naturally derived mineral pigments that give cosmetics their rich black, brown, red and yellow shades. Commonly found in foundations, eyeshadows, mascaras and lipsticks, they provide stable, long-wearing colour that blends beautifully with other pigments. They are considered safe, non-irritating and one of the most widely used colourants in UK beauty products.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetic formulations iron oxides (CI 77499) function as colourants, opacifiers and UV stabilisers. The purified mineral particles disperse evenly through creams, powders and liquids to deliver consistent, true-to-tone coverage that resists fading from light exposure or skin oils. Because they are inert and do not react with other ingredients, they are frequently chosen by British formulators for both prestige and high-street makeup to achieve reliable shade matching and product stability.
Key benefits
- Provides rich, blendable colour in foundations and concealers
- Delivers intense black pigment for mascaras and eyeliners
- Offers excellent lightfastness so shades stay true throughout the day
- Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin formulations
- Helps stabilise other pigments in multi-shade products
- Creates natural-looking neutral tones for everyday wear
Best for
all skin types, sensitive skin, oily skin, combination skin
Where it comes from
Iron oxides are naturally occurring mineral compounds mined from the earth, primarily composed of iron and oxygen. They are carefully purified for cosmetic use to remove any impurities while retaining their vibrant pigment properties.
Products with Iron oxides (CI 77499)
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Iron oxides (CI 77499) than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.