Red iron oxide is an inorganic mineral pigment (iron(III) oxide) used to impart red to brown tones in cosmetics and to provide some visible-light and UV protection in tinted sunscreens and foundations. It is widely regarded as stable, non-bleeding, and well tolerated on skin.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Isolated case reports; iron oxides are generally considered weak sensitizers and reactions are often attributed to contaminants rather than the pigment itself. |
Skin irritation | Very rare | Iron oxides are largely inert; irritation is uncommon and usually related to other formulation components. |
Pigmented contact dermatitis | Very rare | Occasional reports of pigment-related cutaneous reactions in sensitized individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.