What is Iron Oxide? What is iron oxide used for?
Iron oxide is an essential raw material that serves several subsectors of the global economy. Over the years the demand for iron oxide globally has increased by many folds. To put things into perspective, the global market size of iron oxide has a total value of USD 2.2 billion back in 2020. Experts believe that this global market valuation will grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.7% that started in 2021 and will continue till 2028!
What is iron oxide known as?
There are several names for the humble iron oxide. For instance, ferric oxide (Fe203) is one name or rather form of the generic iron oxide. The other names (or forms) of the generic iron oxide are –
- Iron (II) oxide (with the chemical formula FeO) – a rare form of iron oxide found naturally and
- Iron (II, III) oxide (with the chemical formula Fe3O4) – which is also known as magnetite.
Is iron oxide poisonous to humans?
No iron oxide is not poisonous to humans when exposure is minimised. However, the quality assurance manager of a reputed company that manufactures and supplies iron oxide in India advises that while handling raw iron oxide in large quantities, handlers need to minimise their exposure to the fumes of iron oxide. If caution is not exercised, one can fall prey to metal fume fever. It is a medical condition where the afflicted person would show flu-like symptoms and complaint about a metallic taste in their mouth followed by fever, chills, chest tightness and cough.
In small quantities, iron oxide is generally harmless which is why it is widely used to prepare industrial food pigments that are used to add colour to sweets, cheese, and olives.
The pharmaceutical sector also relies heavily on a steady supply of ferric (iron) oxide. Pharmaceutical brands use this inorganic pigment to coat drugs (pills) or add colour to liquid medications.
The makeup manufacturing industry is the largest consumer of iron oxide
The large chunk of orders that leading iron oxide manufacturers get emanate from national and international cosmetic and skincare product brands. The reason is simple. Cosmetic and skincare product brands use all forms of iron oxide to add colour to cosmetic products. Iron oxides are added to foundations, skin powders and concealers in various quantities in a bid to make sure that customers have a large range of products to choose from that matches their skin tones.
Iron oxides are made available by iron oxide manufacturers in three shades and they are –
- Black iron oxide
- Yellow iron oxide and
- Red iron oxide.
Why do cosmetic and skincare product manufacturers prefer iron oxide?
There are many reasons why cosmetic and skincare brands chose iron oxide to add colour to their products. Some of those reasons are mentioned below.
- Iron oxides add opacity to skincare and cosmetic products.
- Iron oxides remain stable when exposes to UV radiation.
- Iron oxides remain stable even when exposes to environmental conditions where ambient moisture content is close to saturation levels. This property helps keep the makeup product from bleeding or smearing all over the face of the user.
- Iron oxides increase the longevity of makeup and skincare products. In simple words, one would not have to reapply their lipstick or foundation over and over again.
- Iron oxides are safe when used in moderate quantities. They are non-toxic and non-allergenic as well as suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- The safety of iron oxides has been time and again proven by the US Food and Drug Administration and The Drugs Controller General (India).
Get quality-assured iron oxide from Selective Minerals
Since 1991, Selective Minerals and Color Industries Pvt. Ltd. has been the leading manufacturer, exporter and domestic supplier of international-grade iron oxide for multinational corporations in India and overseas. The company has ISO 9001:2015 certification from RINA. To learn more, please call +91-022-26499343 / +91-99209 46444 or send an email to sales@selectiveminerals.com / info@selectiveminerals.com.
