Is iron oxide in cosmetics safe? Why is it used and what are the dangers?

Is iron oxide the reason for the good color?

When you look at the ingredients in skin care products and cosmetics, you may see that they contain an ingredient called iron oxide. Some people may wonder, "Iron in cosmetics?"

In fact, iron oxide is an ingredient used in cosmetics as a colorant, taking advantage of its color. It is used in black, yellow, and red shades.

What is Iron Oxide?

Iron oxide is made from iron and oxygen and has been used as a coloring agent in cosmetics since the early 1900s.

Iron oxide is a substance that exists in nature. For example, rust is a type of iron oxide. Red iron oxide is extracted from a mineral called hematite, yellow iron oxide from limonite, and black iron oxide from a mineral called magnetite.

Are iron oxides natural or synthetic?

When extracted from minerals, iron oxide is a naturally occurring component.

However, most iron oxides used in cosmetics are synthetic. Despite being a synthetic ingredient, it is often included in cosmetics sold as " natural cosmetics ," " organic cosmetics ," or "mineral cosmetics."

This is because synthetic iron oxide is safer than natural iron oxide, which often contains impurities. Oxides produced in natural environments that are not sanitarily managed are often contaminated with heavy metals. In other words, just because something is a natural ingredient does not necessarily mean it is safe.

Synthetic iron oxide can be produced in a variety of ways, including by decomposing an iron agent called ferrous sulfate with heat to produce a red color, or by precipitating it to produce yellow, red, brown, or black colors.
Currently, a total of 16 types of iron oxide are used in cosmetics.

Why is iron oxide used in cosmetics?

Iron oxide is used as a colorant in cosmetics and skin care products. It is a common ingredient in makeup products such as:

• Foundation
• Face Powder
• Concealer
• Eyeshadow
• Cheek
• lipstick

Iron oxides are opaque and have excellent light stability. They are also resistant to moisture, so they do not bleed easily. Iron oxides also have excellent durability, so there is no need to reapply, and the product tends to last longer.

Is iron oxide safe?

Iron oxide is non-toxic and non -allergenic . Therefore, it is generally considered safe to use in cosmetics. It is also known as an ingredient that is easy to use for people with sensitive skin.

However, nano-processed iron oxide is a different story. Nanoparticles are toxic and can endanger human and animal life. Fish that swam in water containing a certain concentration of nano-processed iron oxide for 21 days had a lower white blood cell count. It has also been shown to accumulate in the liver and intestines, leading to a weakened immune response.

Nanotechnology is improving every day to improve functionality, but there are still many things that are unclear about whether the nano components produced in this way are safe for humans and the natural world.

In Japan, consumers cannot tell whether a cosmetic product contains nano-sized ingredients just by looking at the list of all ingredients . If you have any concerns, it may be a good idea to contact the manufacturer.

Iron oxide is also an ingredient that is only used to add color to cosmetics. It is necessary for makeup, but may not be necessary for skin care to condition the skin.

For more information on synthetic colorants, see here: Types of colorants in cosmetics and what you need to know