Cosmetic ingredient

CI 77491

CI 77491 is the Colour Index designation for the red iron oxide pigment used in cosmetics. It is an inorganic colour made chiefly of ferric oxide, not a plant extract or an ingredient intended to treat the skin.

INCICI1 products
CAS number
1309-37-1 / 1317-61-9 / 1345-27-3 / 52357-70-7 / 1345-25-1
EC number
215-168-2 / 215-277-5 / 215-722-3 / 257-870-1 / 215-721-8
Chemical name
Diiron trioxide; Ferric oxide

CI 77491: what it is

CI 77491 is the Colour Index designation for the red iron oxide pigment used in cosmetics. It is an inorganic colour made chiefly of ferric oxide, not a plant extract or an ingredient intended to treat the skin.

The CI number identifies the pigment colour within this naming system. CI 77491 differs from other iron oxides used in cosmetics because it corresponds to the red shade; yellow and black pigments are assigned other Colour Index numbers.

CI 77491: what it does in cosmetics

CI 77491 is used to give a formula a red colour. In makeup or another coloured cosmetic, the pigment contributes to the finished appearance of the product and can be part of the shade combination seen in the pack and on application.

This is a colour use, not a treatment use. Finding CI 77491 on an ingredient list does not by itself indicate moisturising, anti-ageing, or another skin benefit; what it chiefly adds to the product is a red tone.

CI 77491: conditions and care

In the European Union, CI 77491 is listed as an authorised red colourant and must meet the purity criteria set by the applicable legislation.

Use limits

Restrictions and conditions of use

Cosmetic restriction
IV/135
Catalogue presence

Products containing this ingredient

See which products include it and the name used in each composition.