Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288)
What chromium oxide greens do as a cosmetic pigment, how CI numbers support shade matching, and what to know about permitted use.
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Quick facts
- INCI name
- Chromium Oxide Greens
- CAS number
- 1308-38-9
- Origin
- Mineral
- Chemical class
- Inorganic green pigment
- What it does in a formula
- colorant, opacifying
- Why it is in the formula
- Usually used as a green pigment to create or adjust a product's shade.
- Regulatory notes
- Chromium oxide greens are exempt from FDA batch certification for permitted cosmetic uses; color additives are subject to use restrictions.
What it is
Cataloged on cosmetics as Chromium Oxide Greens or CI 77288, this mineral colorant is an inorganic green pigment used to adjust makeup and skincare shades. Its sole purpose is decorative coloration rather than skin conditioning or active treatment. The exact visual effect depends on concentration, base opacity, coverage, and blend with other mineral pigments.
What it does
- Adds green color. Chromium oxide greens contributes a stable-looking green tone to makeup and other cosmetics.
- Supports shade matching. It can be blended with other pigments to reach a desired color or correct a product’s hue.
- Provides opacity. In a formula it can help create a more opaque color rather than a transparent tint.
- Acts as a color additive. Its role is appearance, not skin treatment or hydration.
Who it suits
This pigment is not aimed at a skin type. Choose a product for its shade and intended area. In the United States, color additives must be permitted for the intended cosmetic use. Chromium oxide greens is exempt from batch certification, but that does not remove use restrictions. Check current FDA requirements for the product area, since not every color additive is permitted for every use.
What to pair it with, and what not to
There is nothing to pair with chromium oxide greens as an active. It is part of the color system, often blended with other pigments. Follow the product’s directions for its intended area. A CI number helps identify the pigment, but it does not tell you how opaque the finished product will appear.
Skin Realist check: Pigment is there to make a shade, not to earn skincare-active credentials.
How it appears on labels: Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288); Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288); CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS(CI 77288); Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288)]; CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288).
Quick picks with Chromium Oxide Greens
Scent-free, no patch-test flags on the label
Dermaflage Tattoo Cover Up Concealer
scent-free label
Amazon
All 7 products with Chromium Oxide Greens
High-Definition Camouflage Concealers (2)
Full-Coverage Camouflage & Liquid Foundations (2)
Mineral Pressed Powders & Skin-Nourishing Primers (1)
Eye Shadows, Liners, Mascara & Brow Makeup (1)
Daily Sunscreens & SPF Moisturizers (1)
Common questions
What does chromium oxide greens do in makeup?
It is a green inorganic pigment used to create or adjust a cosmetic shade. It contributes color rather than a skincare benefit.
What does CI 77288 mean?
CI 77288 is the color index designation for chromium oxide greens. Color index numbers help identify a pigment across different ingredient labels.
Is chromium oxide greens approved for every cosmetic use?
No. Color additives must be permitted for their intended use, and restrictions can vary by product area. Check the current FDA listing for the intended cosmetic use.
Does chromium oxide greens need FDA batch certification?
It is listed as exempt from batch certification, but exemption from certification does not mean there are no rules. The color additive still must be used according to the applicable requirements.