IRON OXIDE

Iron oxide is a dye of mineral origin, whose pigments were used in cave paintings 35,000 years ago. Since the beginning of the 20th century, they have been used to colour cosmetics due to their good skin compatibility.

There are a total of 16 iron oxides which are divided into three main colour groups: yellow iron oxide (yellow), colcothar (red) and black iron oxide (black). Iron oxide pigments are obtained from iron ores such as hematite, limonite, goethite or magnetite. Depending on whether they contain carbon or not, they are organic or inorganic substances. As a rule, inorganic pigments, which occur naturally in the earth or are obtained by oxidation, have a lighter colour and are more durable than organic ones.

Iron oxides used in skin care cosmetics are usually produced synthetically to avoid contamination. They are neither water nor fat soluble, which is why they are mixed with liquids as finely ground solid particles.