chromium oxide green (Cr₂O₃, CI 77288) is widely used as an inorganic green pigment in the global cosmetics and personal care industry. As a trivalent chromium compound, it is completely different from carcinogenic hexavalent chromium and is recognized as a safe colorant by FDA and EU cosmetics regulations.
FDA Cosmetics Compliance
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists chromium oxide green among approved cosmetic colorants:
- CI Number: CI 77288 (C.I. Pigment Green 17)
- CAS Number: 1308-38-9
- Usage Restrictions: Not permitted in lip products (may be ingested)
- Approved Uses: Eyeshadow, eyeliner, nail polish, skincare products, and other external applications
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
chromium oxide green is listed in EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex IV (approved colorants):
Parameter Requirement VerdeChrome® Compliance CI Number CI 77288 ✅ Complies Purity ≥98% Cr₂O₃ ✅ ≥99% Hexavalent Chromium Not Detected ✅ Not Detected Heavy Metals Complies with limits ✅ Complies
Trivalent Chromium vs Hexavalent Chromium: Critical Distinction
chromium oxide green (Cr₂O₃) contains trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺), fundamentally different from toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺):
Property Trivalent Chromium (Cr³⁺) Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺) Chemical Form Cr₂O₃ (chromium oxide green) CrO₃, CrO₄²⁻ (chromates) Toxicity Low/Safe High/Carcinogenic Cosmetics Use ✅ Approved ❌ Prohibited Skin Irritation None/Minimal Severe irritation/Allergic Environmental Risk Low High (strict control required)
VerdeChrome® Cosmetic Grade Products
We provide VerdeChrome® cosmetic grade products complying with FDA and EU cosmetics standards:
- Purity Cr₂O₃ ≥99%, complying with CI 77288 standard
- Hexavalent chromium not detected (third-party test reports)
- Heavy metal content far below regulatory limits
- Fine particle size (<1μm), excellent dispersibility
- Batch-to-batch consistency, stable color matching
Request cosmetic grade samples and COA certificates
Reference Standards: 21 CFR 73.2327 (FDA), EC No 1223/2009 Annex IV
