Contact dermatitis to yellow iron oxide

After epicutaneous patch testing, a 43-year-old non-atopic white female with eyelid dermatitis was found to be allergic to yellow iron oxide used as a dye in her mascara. Yellow iron oxide, also known as limonite or yellow ochre, is a common cosmetic dye which has not previously been described as a source of contact dermatitis. Formulation of mascara as well as classification of naturally occurring iron oxides are discussed.