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Moumoujus

CHROMIUM.

Questionable CAS 7440-47-3 / COLORANT

Chromium, primarily utilized as a green pigment in cosmetic formulations, does not provide direct skincare benefits upon topical application. While hexavalent chromium ions can penetrate the skin and convert to trivalent chromium, any documented advantages, such as collagen production or anti-inflammatory effects, are associated with oral supplementation, not direct topical use.

Summary

Science

Mechanism of Action

Topically applied hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions permeate the skin, where they are subsequently reduced to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). Cr(III) then forms complexes with skin proteins, acting as haptens capable of inducing allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Cr(III) generally exhibits a strong affinity for skin proteins, tending to remain suspended on the skin surface. Importantly, recognized 'skincare benefits' like collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory actions, sebum regulation, or blood sugar stabilization are attributed solely to the systemic effects of oral chromium supplementation, with no evidence supporting these effects from direct topical application.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted

Reported skincare benefits for chromium, including collagen production, anti-inflammatory effects, sebum regulation, and blood sugar stabilization, are associated with oral chromium supplementation and its systemic actions. These potential advantages are frequently 'dusted' onto topical applications, despite the absence of evidence supporting direct topical efficacy.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds are readily soluble in water, whereas trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) complexes typically exhibit lower solubility.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Deferred for compounds, elemental not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is considerably more toxic than trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and poses a potential carcinogenic risk at elevated concentrations. Both metallic chromium and Cr(III) are classified as Group 3 carcinogens by IARC, indicating limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. Dermal exposure to chromium concentrations ranging from 0.0002 to 0.003 microg/cm² does not appear to induce allergic contact dermatitis. The FDA limits chromium as an impurity to 50 ppm in specific color additives like FD&C Blue No. 1. Animal sensitization tests showed no harmful effects for 200 mg/kg of trivalent chromium and 5 mg/kg of hexavalent chromium. One study found the highest level of water-soluble trivalent chromium in makeup products to be approximately 10 mg/kg.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Chromium's primary function in cosmetics is as a pigment, providing no direct skincare benefits through topical application, with any reported advantages stemming solely from oral supplementation.

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