Chromium oxide greens
Chromium oxide greens suppliers and sourcing guide
Chromium oxide greens is an inorganic olive-green pigment, principally chromic sesquioxide (Cr2O3). It is made industrially by reducing sodium dichromate or by calcining chromium hydroxide, then washing and milling to a fine powder. It is opaque and very stable to light, heat and pH. Cosmetic makers buy it for eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, soap and other externally applied products.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Chromic oxide · Chromium(III) oxide · CI 77288 · Pigment Green 17
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of chromium oxide greens
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Cosmetic grade powder
Fine milled Cr2O3 with low soluble chromium and heavy metals, sold to the 21 CFR 73.1327 specification.
Surface-treated grades
Pigment coated with silicones or other treatments for easier dispersion in oils and pressed powders.
Dispersions
Pre-dispersed in oils or glycerin for liquid products and soaps.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Cr2O3 assay
- Chromic oxide content, which the regulation requires to be not less than 95 percent, by titration or XRF.
- Soluble chromium
- Chromium in a 2 percent NaOH extract (as Cr2O3), the regulation's check on soluble chromium, which many buyers back up with a hexavalent chromium test.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS or AAS, reported against the limits in the color additive regulation and the supplier specification.
- Particle size and shade
- Particle size by laser diffraction and shade against a retained standard, which affect color, opacity and texture.
- Moisture
- Loss on drying, which affects dispersion and pressed-powder behavior.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Keep chromium oxide greens in closed containers in a dry place at room temperature; the powder is stable but picks up moisture and odors and can cake. Control dust in the weigh room and keep it away from other products to avoid cross-contamination. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification.
Lots and expiry dates
Shade and particle size can vary between production runs, so check each lot against a retained shade standard. Keep the soluble chromium result for every lot in the file, since it is the parameter reviewers ask about most.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.2327 permits chromium oxide greens in externally applied cosmetics, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.1327 identifies the color additive as principally chromic sesquioxide (Cr2O3) and requires not less than 95% Cr2O3.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.1327 permits chromium oxide greens in externally applied drugs, including those for use in the area of the eye.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.3111 permits chromium oxide greens as a color additive in contact lenses.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Chromium oxide greens suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking chromium oxide greens suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell chromium oxide greens? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of chromium oxide greens can brands buy?
Common forms include cosmetic grade powder, surface-treated grades and dispersions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for chromium oxide greens include?
Expect cr2O3 assay, soluble chromium, heavy metals, particle size and shade and moisture, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should chromium oxide greens be stored?
Keep chromium oxide greens in closed containers in a dry place at room temperature; the powder is stable but picks up moisture and odors and can cake. Control dust in the weigh room and keep it away from other products to avoid cross-contamination. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification.
What is the regulatory status of chromium oxide greens?
21 CFR 73.2327 permits chromium oxide greens in externally applied cosmetics, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.1327 identifies the color additive as principally chromic sesquioxide (Cr2O3) and requires not less than 95% Cr2O3. 21 CFR 73.1327 permits chromium oxide greens in externally applied drugs, including those for use in the area of the eye. 21 CFR 73.3111 permits chromium oxide greens as a color additive in contact lenses.
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