Black Iron Oxide
CI 77499 (Black Iron Oxide) is a super common inorganic pigment — containing no carbon atoms — used to control darkness in foundations and provide blackness in mascaras. Chemically, it is a mixture of iron II and iron III oxide (triiron tetraoxide). Unlike yellow and red iron oxide pigments, it is magnetic. It is often blended with red and yellow iron oxides to achieve flesh-toned shades in makeup products.
Primarily functions as a cosmetic colorant, providing black pigmentation in a wide range of makeup products such as mascaras, eyeliners, and foundations. It is an inorganic pigment with no established active skin-care benefits beyond its coloring role.
Listed under Cosmetic Restriction IV/137, indicating regulated use conditions in cosmetics. No irritancy concerns noted in the source.
