Bismuth Oxychloride — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: CI 77163
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 7787-59-9
- Category
- colorant
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- foundation, eyeshadow, highlighter
Is Bismuth Oxychloride safe in cosmetics?
Bismuth Oxychloride is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide. Commonly found in foundation, eyeshadow, highlighter.
What is Bismuth Oxychloride?
Gives shimmer/pearlescent effect. Can cause itching and irritation in some individuals.
Allergy & Safety Information
Bismuth Oxychloride is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Colorant / Pigment Ingredients
Colorants are used in makeup and some skincare products to provide colour. Inorganic colorants (iron oxides, ultramarines, chromium oxides) and organic dyes (CI numbers) are regulated by cosmetic authorities for purity and safety. Iron oxides naturally contain trace metal impurities including nickel, which can cause reactions in nickel-sensitised individuals.
Relevance for Bismuth Oxychloride: Coal tar dyes (FD&C and D&C numbers) are more likely to cause reactions than inorganic mineral pigments. Azo dyes can release aromatic amines upon degradation. Metallic and shimmer pigments (mica, bismuth oxychloride) may contain trace nickel contamination.
How to Identify Bismuth Oxychloride in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Bismuth Oxychloride, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Foundation, Eyeshadow, Highlighter. These product categories are the most common sources of Bismuth Oxychloride exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Bismuth Oxychloride? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Bismuth Oxychloride and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bismuth Oxychloride safe for sensitive skin?
Bismuth Oxychloride may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Bismuth Oxychloride?
Bismuth Oxychloride is commonly found in foundation, eyeshadow, highlighter.
What does Bismuth Oxychloride do in cosmetics?
Bismuth Oxychloride functions as a colorant in formulations.
Related Guides
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