Chromium Hydroxide Green

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists Chromium Hydroxide Green as an approved color additive exempt from certification. Chromium Hydroxide Greem is approved for use in coloring externally applied cosmetics and personal care products, including products intended for use in the area of the eye, when it conforms to FDA specifications. Chromium Hydroxide Green is not allowed to be used in products intended for the lips. It is also approved for use in externally applied drugs. The Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 as an independent safety review program for cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel consists of independent experts in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacolgy and veterinary medicine. The CIR includes participation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. (CIR) has deferred evaluation of this ingredient because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.

All color additives used in foods, drugs and cosmetics in the United States must be approved by FDA and listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. In some cases, FDA requires that each batch of color produced for use in regulated products can be used only if it is certified by the agency to meet strict specifications. FDA maintains a laboratory especially for this purpose and color manufacturers must pay a fee to support this activity. FDA only approves colors after extensive review of all safety data and publication of the basis for its approval in the Federal Register.

You can find out more about FDA regulation of colors at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-col.html

Chromium Hydroxide Green is an insoluble pigment made from the metal chromium. The level of hexavalent chromium, the form of chromium that is sometimes associated with adverse health effects (especially following inhalation exposure), is limited by stringent specifications set by the FDA.

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Chromium Hydroxide Green

• http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr…
• http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr…

Chromium Hydroxide Green is listed as CI 77289 in the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union (Annex IV, Part I) and may be used in all cosmetics and personal care products when it is free from chromate ions. When used in cosmetic products in the European Union, this ingredient must be called CI 77289.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: 
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…

You can learn more about the regulation and labeling of colors at: 
http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/colors-cosmetics-regulation-and-nomen…