Chromium Hydroxide Green
Chromium hydroxide green is approved by FDA only for externally applied cosmetics (21 CFR 73.2326), explicitly not for food, drug, or ingested products. Appearance in a food ingredient list would indicate either a cosmetic mislabel or unapproved use; trivalent chromium is far less toxic than hexavalent chromium but ingestion of chromium pigments is not authorized.
What it is
Chromium hydroxide green is an inorganic green pigment (hydrated chromium(III) oxide) used as a colorant in cosmetics.
Not approved for food use — cosmetic color additive only.
Why it's flagged
- not approved as food additive
- approved only for external cosmetic use
What regulators actually say
"Chromium hydroxide green is safe for use in coloring externally applied cosmetics, including those intended for use in the area of the eye, in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Approved only for externally applied cosmetics — 21 CFR 73.2326; not approved for ingestion
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized as food additive
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