21 CFR § 73.2250 - Iron oxides.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t21/s73.2250"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "21 CFR § 73.2250 - Iron oxides."
title_number: 21
title_name: "Food and Drugs"
section_number: "73.2250"
section_name: "Iron oxides."
chapter_name: "FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "A"
subchapter_name: "GENERAL"
part_number: "73"
part_name: "LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "21 U.S.C. 321, 341, 342, 343, 348, 351, 352, 355, 361, 362, 371, 379e."
regulatory_source: "42 FR 15643, Mar. 22, 1977, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "73"
---


# 73.2250 Iron oxides.

(a) *Identity.* The color additives iron oxides consist of any one or any combination of synthetically prepared iron oxides, including the hydrated forms. It is free from admixture with other substances.

(b) *Specifications.* Iron oxides shall conform to the following specifications, all on an “as is” basis:

Arsenic (as As), not more than 3 parts per million.

Lead (as Pb), not more than 10 parts per million.

Mercury (as Hg), not more than 3 parts per million.

(c) *Uses and restrictions.* Iron oxides are safe for use in coloring cosmetics generally, including cosmetics applied to the area of the eye, in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice.

(d) *Labeling.* The color additive and any mixture prepared therefrom intended solely or in part for coloring purposes shall bear, in addition to any information required by law, labeling in accordance with § 70.25 of this chapter.

(e) *Exemption from certification.* Certification of this color additive is not necessary for the protection of the public health, and therefore batches thereof are exempt from certification pursuant to section 721(c) of the act.