Iron oxides are found in all of these

There are so many beauty terms that it can make your head spin. Confused as to what it all means? Our Glam Glossary will help you sort it all out.  Follow Allison each week in her quest to decode popular beauty terms, from Alpha Hydroxy Acids to Zinc Oxide.

Iron Oxides

Where You See Them: Eyeshadow, foundation, mascara, blush, concealer, tinted moisturizer, lipstick, lip stain, cheek stain, lip gloss, primer.

What They Are: Iron oxides function as colorants in cosmetic products. As natural mineral deposits, iron oxides are synthetically manufactured to produce specific pigments in a powder. Though they have various colors, they are generally classified into three major color groups: yellow iron oxide, colcothar (red) and black iron oxide. The distinguishing factor among these categories is based on varying chemical composition.

Are they safe? The pigments produced by iron oxides are “nontoxic, nonbleeding, weather resistant and lightfast,” according to the United States Geological Survey organization.

Since 1977, iron oxides have been approved by the FDA for use as a color additive in cosmetics generally, including lipsticks, and eye area use. While the title “iron” insinuates the presence of heavy metals, the FDA assures that the levels present in these colorants are regulated, and are too low to pose any danger to human skin.

Photo collage includes photos from Fresh, Stila, Lancome and Cosmedicine