Iron oxide yellow is a synthetic inorganic pigment composed of hydrated iron oxide. It is used as a colourant in coatings, construction materials, plastics, cosmetics and food, providing opacity, lightfastness and chemical resistance. It is an ochre to yellow fine powder. Recorded grades include micronized, food, cosmetic. Packaging formats include 25 kg bag, 1000 kg big bag, bulk. It is also identified as CI 77492. Food use as E 172 is subject to the applicable food-additive specification and permitted-use conditions. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions.