INCI name

CI 77491

Red iron oxide

Colorantreviewed

A red mineral pigment.

What it is

CI 77491 is the Colour Index number of red iron oxide. It is used to give red, brown and skin-tone shades.

Where it is used

Found in foundations, blushes, lipsticks, eye shadows and tinted sunscreens.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Colorants are regulated in Annex IV of the EU Cosmetics Regulation; in make-up, 'may contain' lists often include several iron oxides.

Functions

Colorant: Exclusively or mainly intended to colour the cosmetic product, the body as a whole or certain parts thereof, by absorption or reflection of visible light; (precursors of oxidative hair colorants shall be deemed colorants). All authorised colorants are substances in the positive list of Annex IV to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.

EU regulation

EU · Annex IV, entry 135Iron Oxide red

Conditions and warnings: Purity criteria as set out in Commission Directive 95/45/EC (E172)
As of: 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Products with this ingredient (2280)

Check a full ingredient list