Iron
Iron is a mineral ingredient used in cosmetics for its ability to add rich, natural-looking colour to products like lipsticks, eyeshadows and nail polishes. In skincare and haircare, it appears in the form of iron oxides or as a fortifying mineral in certain formulations. It is a stable, inert pigment that delivers long-wearing colour without irritation for most users.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics iron functions primarily as a colourant in the form of iron oxides, which provide a range of earthy tones from warm reds and browns through to deep blacks. These finely milled mineral pigments are highly stable, lightfast and resistant to moisture, making them ideal for long-wear lip, eye and face products. In certain hair and skincare preparations it can also be used in trace amounts to support the visual appearance of healthy tone and to help formulas maintain an even, natural-looking finish on the skin or hair.
Key benefits
- Delivers natural-looking, buildable colour
- Provides excellent colour stability and longevity
- Non-irritating mineral pigment suitable for sensitive skin
- Creates a range of flattering earth tones for all complexions
- Helps hair and skin products achieve an even, healthy appearance
- Lightfast so colour does not fade quickly in sunlight
Best for
all skin types, sensitive skin, dull skin, mature skin
Where it comes from
Iron is a naturally occurring mineral sourced from the earth. In cosmetics it is most commonly used as purified iron oxides, which are produced from iron ore deposits found in various locations worldwide.