What it is & what it does
Iron Oxides are pigments used to tint cosmetic and sunscreen formulas.
WHAT IT IS: Iron Oxides are pigments used to tint cosmetic and sunscreen formulas.
HOW IT WORKS: In sufficiently tinted sunscreens, iron oxides can reduce transmission of visible light, which is relevant for people whose hyperpigmentation is worsened by visible light. Their value depends on pigment level and finished-product testing.
WHY ITS ROLE MATTERS: Cosmetic colorants and pigments change a product's appearance by absorbing or reflecting portions of visible light. Their purpose may be tinting, opacity or visual coverage. This optical role is different from the biological work of retinoids, acids or antioxidant actives.
A REALISTIC EXPECTATION: If a pigment is also used as a UV filter in a tested sunscreen, that UV role must be separately established for that finished product.
HOW IT WORKS: In sufficiently tinted sunscreens, iron oxides can reduce transmission of visible light, which is relevant for people whose hyperpigmentation is worsened by visible light. Their value depends on pigment level and finished-product testing.
WHY ITS ROLE MATTERS: Cosmetic colorants and pigments change a product's appearance by absorbing or reflecting portions of visible light. Their purpose may be tinting, opacity or visual coverage. This optical role is different from the biological work of retinoids, acids or antioxidant actives.
A REALISTIC EXPECTATION: If a pigment is also used as a UV filter in a tested sunscreen, that UV role must be separately established for that finished product.
