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Ci 77491

What Ci 77491 is & what it does

Red iron oxide, a mineral pigment used to add warm tones and natural-looking color. In tinted sunscreens, iron oxides also help shield skin from visible light.

What is Ci 77491 and what does it do in sunscreen?

Ci 77491 is the color-index name for red iron oxide, a mineral pigment that adds a warm, natural-looking tone. In tinted and BB-style sunscreens it provides the skin-tone color, and iron oxides also help shield skin from visible light. It is a pigment, not a UV filter, so it works alongside the sunscreen actives rather than replacing them.

Is Ci 77491 safe?

Yes. Iron oxides are among the most widely used cosmetic colorants and are considered safe and non-sensitizing for use on skin. Ci 77491 is the same red iron oxide pigment approved for use in color cosmetics worldwide. It sits on the surface as a pigment and is well tolerated by most people, including sensitive skin.

Does Ci 77491 clog pores?

Generally no. Iron oxide pigments are inert minerals that are not known to be comedogenic on their own. Any pore concerns from a tinted product usually come from the richer oils or waxes that carry the pigment, not the pigment itself. Used at the low levels needed for color, Ci 77491 is an unlikely cause of breakouts.

What is Ci 77491 on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Ci 77491 is the Color Index number for red iron oxide. On many labels it appears simply as Iron Oxides, while Ci 77491 specifically denotes the red shade. You may see it grouped with Ci 77492 (yellow) and Ci 77499 (black), the three iron oxides blended to build skin-tone shades.

Is Ci 77491 a UV filter?

No. Ci 77491 is a colorant, not a UV filter. It does not carry an SPF rating and does not replace the sunscreen actives in a formula. That said, iron oxides like this one do help block visible light, which is why they often appear in tinted sunscreens aimed at pigmentation-prone skin.

Is Ci 77491 vegan?

Yes. The iron oxides used in cosmetics, including Ci 77491, are synthetically produced mineral pigments rather than animal-derived. They are typically considered vegan-friendly. The lab-made versions are also preferred for purity and consistent color.

Sunscreens with Ci 77491

We rate 914 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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