Ferric ferrocyanide
Ferric ferrocyanide suppliers and sourcing guide
Ferric ferrocyanide is a dark blue inorganic pigment, a ferric hexacyanoferrate with the structural formula Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3·xH2O, which may contain small amounts of the sodium and potassium salts. It is made by precipitating iron salts with a ferrocyanide and then oxidizing and washing the product. Cosmetic makers buy it as a fine powder for eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara, and to shade other colors.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Prussian blue · Iron blue · CI 77510 · Pigment Blue 27
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of ferric ferrocyanide
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Cosmetic grade powder
Fine powder sold to the 21 CFR 73.1299 specification for color cosmetics.
Surface-treated grades
Pigment coated for dispersion in oils and pressed powders.
Dispersions
Pre-dispersed in oils or glycerin for liquid products.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Total iron
- Total iron (as Fe, corrected for volatile matter) by titration or ICP, required to fall between 37 and 45 percent.
- Water-soluble cyanide
- Free cyanide in a water extract by colorimetry or ion chromatography, limited to 10 ppm in the regulation.
- Heavy metals and trace metals
- Lead, arsenic, mercury, nickel and cobalt by ICP-MS against the regulation and supplier spec.
- Oxalic acid, water-soluble and volatile matter
- Oxalic acid, water-soluble matter and volatile matter, each limited by 21 CFR 73.1299.
- Shade and particle size
- Shade against a retained standard and particle size by laser diffraction.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Keep ferric ferrocyanide 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. The pigment breaks down in alkaline conditions, so check compatibility with high-pH products such as soap.
Lots and expiry dates
Shade and particle size vary between production runs, so check each lot against a retained shade standard. Record total iron and soluble cyanide for each lot.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.1299 identifies ferric ferrocyanide as a ferric hexacyanoferrate pigment.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.2299 permits ferric ferrocyanide in externally applied cosmetics, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.1299 limits water-soluble cyanide to 10 ppm.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.1299 permits ferric ferrocyanide to color externally applied drugs, including those for use in the area of the eye.
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.
Ferric ferrocyanide suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking ferric ferrocyanide 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 ferric ferrocyanide? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of ferric ferrocyanide 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 ferric ferrocyanide include?
Expect total iron, water-soluble cyanide, heavy metals and trace metals, oxalic acid, water-soluble and volatile matter and shade and particle size, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should ferric ferrocyanide be stored?
Keep ferric ferrocyanide 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. The pigment breaks down in alkaline conditions, so check compatibility with high-pH products such as soap.
What is the regulatory status of ferric ferrocyanide?
21 CFR 73.1299 identifies ferric ferrocyanide as a ferric hexacyanoferrate pigment. 21 CFR 73.2299 permits ferric ferrocyanide in externally applied cosmetics, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.1299 limits water-soluble cyanide to 10 ppm. 21 CFR 73.1299 permits ferric ferrocyanide to color externally applied drugs, including those for use in the area of the eye.
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