The first point we must cover before we can get to the technology behind effect pigments is what effect pigments are. In the colour cosmetic industry, you often hear products being described as pearlescent, metallic, glittering, polychromatic, sparkling and holographic, just to name a few different characteristics.
But the key take away here is that all these characteristics are describing a final effect of a specific product, or an effect that a product imparts upon application.
These effects can be achieved by incorporating effect pigments into colour cosmetic and other personal care formulations to give final products multiple dimensions and added vibrancy.
Structure of Effect Pigments
Effect pigments do not just give colour to a formulation, but they also give a reflection and dimension. The specific effect is dependent on the type of effect pigment you are using, but there are a wide range of effects achievable.
The two parts of an effect pigment that are responsible for the imparted effect, and differentiate effect pigments from more conventional pigments, are the substrate and the coating. The substrate of the pigment can be thought of as the base of the pigment.
The main point to remember about the substrate is it must be able to reflect and refract light. The ability of the substrate to reflect light directly effects the intensity and shine of the pigment. (Figure 1)
Material of the Substrate
Common effect pigment substrates include mica, synthetic mica (also known as synthetic fluorophlogopite) and borosilicate. Borosilicate substrates have very little to no colour impurity, making their light reflection optimal because light is reflecting off a pure, clear surface.
Also, borosilicate substrates often provide a smoother, flatter surface, also enhancing it is light reflection potential. (Figure 2)
Figure 2. SEM Images of Mica, Borosilicare and Synthetic Mica Substrates
Difference of Moonshine Effect Pigments from Other Cosmetic Pigments
Offering four unique effect pigment series, the Moonshine Effect Pigments range showcases quality borosilicate-based effect pigments to give cosmetic formulations the unique and innovative effects desired by the industry.
These effects include exceptional intensity and shine at levels not achievable with mica-based effect pigments. They give brilliant colour intensity and great sensory benefits to the formulations.
A Study Comparing Moonshine Astral Effect with Competitor
Two pigments with comparable particle size but different substrate thicknesses were suspended in a medium viscosity, non-Newtonian fluid.
Each solution was left for one week after mixing. After monitoring suspension retention for one week, the Astral Red Super Shimmer retained outstanding suspension after 96-hr and one-week time periods compared to the competitor product. (Figure 3)
Figure 3. Comparison of two pigments with comparable particle size but
different substrate thicknesses.
Sena Yegin - Satış Temsilcisi / Sales Representative - Croda Kimya Tic. Ltd. Şti.
