pigment

Iron Oxides

Evidencemoderate · Tier 2Irritation riskVery lowIn products654

Inert mineral pigments that absorb/reflect visible light (400–700 nm) — the wavelength band UV filters miss. In tinted sunscreens they are the key adjunct for melasma and PIH, where visible light is an independent trigger.

The research

Iron Oxides is a pigment backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 6 studies for it, 5 reporting a positive effect.

Read the research — 6 studies

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2015 · rct · n=40

Randomized controlled trial (n=40, 26 weeks): PIVOTAL replication study: identical UV filters with and without iron oxide tinting; median MASI increase from baseline to month 6 higher for non tinted 2.43 vs tinted 0.45 p=0.027; first RCT specifically for relapse prevention.

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine · 2013 · rct · n=68

Randomized controlled trial (n=68, 8 weeks): PIVOTAL study demonstrating UV VL sunscreen with iron oxide superiority over UV only sunscreen for melasma treatment; both arms received 4% hydroquinone; UV VL arm showed greater MASI improvement colorimetric improvement and melanin reduction; established VL role in melasma pathogenesis.

Products with Iron Oxides

In 654 products — most often serums (240), sunscreens (171), moisturizers (155), from $5.00 to $1115.62. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.

10 of 24
Caudalie

Caudalie

Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Refillable Moisturiser with Bio-Ceramides 50ml

Moisturizer

$107.9550ml · $2.16/ml

★★★★★4.9(958)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisRosaceaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Refillable Moisturiser with Bio-Ceramides 50ml is a antioxidant serum by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Caudalie

Caudalie

Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask 75ml

Serum

$33.0275ml · $0.44/ml

★★★★★4.8(2,048)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantUneven texture
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma

Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask 75ml is a exfoliant by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 50ml

Moisturizer

$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml

★★★★★4.8(581)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantUneven texture

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Sol de Janeiro

Sol de Janeiro

Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Copacabana Bronze Glow Oil 75ml

Serum

$32.3975ml · $0.43/ml

★★★★★4.8(4,362)

Ideal for

  • RelevantDryness

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic Dermatitis

Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Copacabana Bronze Glow Oil 75ml is a antioxidant serum by Sol de Janeiro. Key ingredients include Mica, Fragrance, Coconut Oil.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Caudalie

Caudalie

Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Eye Cream for Fine Lines and Wrinkles 15ml

Eye Cream – for Dryness, Fine lines & wrinkles

$57.1515ml · $3.81/ml

★★★★★4.8(5,310)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Eye Cream for Fine Lines and Wrinkles 15ml is a eye cream by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Mica, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexyl Stearate.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
PATRICK TA

PATRICK TA

PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double She's So LA

Moisturizer

$46.38

★★★★★4.8(2,758)

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double She's So LA is a antioxidant serum by PATRICK TA. Key ingredients include Ethylhexyl Stearate, Silica, Vitamin E.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 29g (Various Shades) Translucent

Serum

$49.05

★★★★★4.8(574)

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic Dermatitis

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 29g (Various Shades) Translucent is a skincare product by Laura Mercier. Key ingredients include Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Shiseido

Shiseido

Shiseido Vital Perfection Supreme Cream 50ml

Moisturizer

$137.1650ml · $2.74/ml

★★★★★4.7(771)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis
Shiseido

Shiseido

Shiseido Vital Perfection Supreme Cream 50ml Refill

Moisturizer

$144.7850ml · $2.90/ml

★★★★★4.7(771)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis
SKIN1004

SKIN1004

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask 27g

Mask

$23.0027ml · $0.85/ml

★★★★★4.7(6,712)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask 27g is a mask by SKIN1004. Key ingredients include Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile

Educational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.