Iron Hydroxide

INCI: IRON HYDROXIDE

CAS Number
20344-49-4 (iron oxyhydroxide)
Function
Colorant (iron oxide-hydroxide pigment)
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted — FDA-approved synthetic iron oxides for cosmetics (21 CFR 73.2250); must conform to FDA purity specifications

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Must meet heavy-metal purity limits (As ≤3 ppm, Pb ≤10 ppm, Hg ≤1 ppm per EU Annex IV specifications); ensure CI number compliance and batch CoA for each lot; nano-form use requires separate safety assessment

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

colorant

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iron Hydroxide safe in cosmetics?

Must meet heavy-metal purity limits (As ≤3 ppm, Pb ≤10 ppm, Hg ≤1 ppm per EU Annex IV specifications); ensure CI number compliance and batch CoA for each lot; nano-form use requires separate safety assessment The EU classifies Iron Hydroxide as "restricted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Iron Hydroxide allowed in the EU?

Iron Hydroxide EU regulatory status: restricted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Iron Hydroxide do in cosmetics?

Iron Hydroxide functions as: Colorant (iron oxide-hydroxide pigment). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 20344-49-4 (iron oxyhydroxide).

What is the Margin of Safety for Iron Hydroxide?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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