Search Cosmetics & Toiletries

Specialty Pigments: Properties and Effects

Specialty pigments bring unique effects to personal care products, thus they are an important class of color additives for the decorative cosmetic industry. Presented here is a review of their properties and benefits, including mechanisms of refraction and reflection, as well as regulatory considerations.

Ingredient Profile—Mica

Mica is an inorganic material found in a wide variety of cosmetic and personal care products. Its use has been reported in more than 7,100 products, making it one of the most important mineral ingredients used in cosmetics.

Color Changing Effect Pigments

Kobo Products Inc. has introduced a line of iridescent effect pigments that exhibit color travel. Kobopearl Perpetuals travel from one color to another, as displayed by their trade names.

Comparatively Speaking: Good vs. Bad Hair Color

Tony O’Lenick asks color expert Nick Morante to differentiate between a good hair color and a bad hair color, noting how water minerals, color-treated hair, bleaching and more can affect the final color.

Comparatively Speaking: Temporary vs. Permanent Hair Color Systems

To explain the difference between temporary and permanent hair color systems, Tony O'Lenick defers to Nick Morante, a color expert, who notes that the difference lies in the ingredients used and the irritation produced.

Compass—Tulip Appeal

Whenever a given scent was first introduced, that’s how far back in our memories it can take us. This is something to bear in mind, especially as consumers try a product for the first time.

Formulation and Evaluation of Self-tanners

Self-tanning preparations are becoming increasingly important for consumers desiring a tanned look without exposing themselves to undue harm. The present article reviews DHA and other self-tanning active ingredients and their mechanisms of action. Formulating hallenges such as stability and ingredient interactions are discussed, as well as the evaluation and regulation of self-tanning products.

Consumer Perspective—Self-tanning and Skin Cancer Prevention

Although market trends for sun protection might make consumers believe otherwise, many younger individuals continue to desire and pursue tan skin. This is regardless of the awareness for the relationship between sun exposure and melanoma, and strong prevention messages in the media.

Sephora Instant Airbrush Foundation

Read the Label Online: Sephora's Instant Airbrush Foundation

Now one can achieve the “mistake-proof and gorgeous look” results of a makeup artist at home with Sephora Instant Airbrush Foundation. This column will review the ingredient listing of this product for claims substantiation and functionality.

Optically Activated Particles

Lipo Chemicals will present optically activated nylon particles, which are designed to emit and diffuse visible light to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, among other innovations.

A Novel Method to Measure and Pre-select Functional Filler Pigments

Functional filler pigments play an important role in adjusting optical properties such as transparency and soft focus effects in cosmetics. However, their suitability for specific formulas is not apparent until time-consuming tests using many different fillers have been conducted. Therefore, a new method to predetermine the soft focus effects of functional filler pigments is described here.

Comparatively Speaking: Color vs. Fluorescence

Here, industry expert Tony O'Lenick explains the difference between color and fluorescence, as understanding the effects of fluorescence can lead to a better visual appearance to skin.

Patent Picks—Radiation-Diffraction Colorants, Fluorescent Pigments and More

Chosen biweekly for their relevance to personal care, Patent Picks are taken from publicly available sources. This edition features technologies related to color, such as pigments, films and colorants for skin and hair care.

Comparatively Speaking: Color vs. Certified Color

To follow up on the four-part series of "Comparatively Speaking" columns on color that sourced Nick Morante, the color expert continues in this column to discuss the difference between colors and certified colors.

Woman Beauty Face Powder Application Adobe Stock 632103423

Proliposome-coated Mica With Bioactives for Benefits in Facial Powders

The article discusses the preparation of proliposome-coated mica harboring bioactives from plant origin that have skin-whitening/-lightening effects. The treated mica is incorporated into facial powder for skin-smoothing, -moisturizing and -lightening properties, which are evaluated here.

Formula Troubleshooting—Stability, Uniformity in Foundations

Although any formulation type can pose obstacles for the cosmetic chemist, foundations are notorious for their degree of difficulty and intricacy of detail. As if it were not challenging enough to stabilize emulsions with superior aesthetics, foundations require emulsion stability while ensuring color properly develops and stays uniform throughout the product.

Formula Anatomy Deciphered—Color Foundations and Bases

The category of color cosmetics referred to as foundations, also known as bases, strives to achieve a complex mix of functional, sensorial and aesthetic effects. These all-over facial cosmetics aim to hide minor skin imperfections like wrinkles and blemishes; to even and modify the skin color of the face; and to alter the light reflection capability and luminosity of the face and neck—all while maintaining a natural-looking and velvety appearance.

Booths lured attendees with new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), specialty polymers, greener synthesis processes, catalysts, coatings, amino acids, outsourcing services and more.

Fishing for Ideas at Informex USA 2012

At first, this cosmetics R&D trade journal editor felt like a fish out of water at the Informex USA specialty chemicals exhibition. However, some novel nibbles and a few big catches were made there for personal care R&D.