What it is
Chromium Oxide Greens is a stable, insoluble inorganic pigment that gives a dull, opaque green color. In sunscreens it is used in small amounts, often to neutralize redness in soothing or tone-up products or to tint mineral formulas. It is valued for its lightfastness and resistance to heat and chemicals.
Safety & warnings
As used in cosmetics it is the trivalent chromium(III) oxide form, which is distinct from and far less of a concern than hexavalent chromium; cosmetic-grade material is purified to limit soluble and hexavalent chromium impurities. It is generally well tolerated and not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic mineral pigment manufactured under controlled conditions to meet cosmetic-grade purity for trace metals.
History
Chromium oxide green has been used as an artist's and industrial pigment since the 19th century and was later adopted as a cosmetic colorant.
Questions everyone asks
Is the chromium in this pigment harmful?
Cosmetic chromium oxide greens is the chromium(III) oxide form and is insoluble and stable; it is not the hexavalent chromium associated with toxicity, and cosmetic grades are purified to limit impurities.
Why is a green pigment in sunscreen?
Small amounts help neutralize the look of redness or tint mineral formulas, which is common in soothing and tone-up sunscreens.