Yellow iron oxide is an inorganic mineral pigment (iron(III) oxide-hydroxide) used to impart yellow tones in cosmetics and to provide opacity and tint in products such as foundations, concealers, and tinted sunscreens. It is widely regarded as photostable, non-bleeding, and well tolerated.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Isolated case reports; iron oxides are generally considered low-allergenicity pigments. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Uncommon and usually mild; may relate to other formulation components rather than the pigment itself. |
| Pigment-related contact reactions | Very rare | Possible trace metal impurities (e.g., nickel, cobalt) could contribute in sensitized individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.