Difference between Organic Pigments and Inorganic Pigments

Colours play a significant role in our lives. Organic pigments and inorganic pigments are colorants extremely important for cosmetic manufacturers. India is a leading producer of pigment colours for cosmetics. These colours are supplied by pigment manufacturers in India to the domestic markets as well as imported to international markets.

Let’s take a look at the key differences between organic pigments and inorganic pigments.

Composition of pigments

Pigments colours can be used to give colour to other objects by coating them or blending them with the product ingredients. Organic and inorganic pigments are types of pigments based on their method of formulation. Organic pigments are generally derived from plants. Inorganic pigments use chemical formulations to get the desired product properties for various applications.

Compounds obtained from inorganic metallic compounds and salts such as chromates, metallic oxides, sulphates etc. are used in inorganic pigments. Organic pigments are made up of carbon rings and carbon chains. Chemical compounds can be used during colour production to stabilise the organic pigments. Inorganic compounds primarily use chemical compounds based on a specific chemical composition to create colours.

Based on the properties, the following characteristics make organic pigments different from inorganic pigments:

• Particle Size

Organic pigments have smaller particle size compared to inorganic pigment colours.

• Brightness

Organic pigments are brighter compared to inorganic pigments. But for long-lasting products, inorganic pigments are preferred because fading and exposure to sunlight or chemicals can take away the bright colour of organic pigments.

• Colours

The variety of colours available in inorganic pigments is greater than the variety available in organic pigment colours. Titanium dioxide; Iron oxide, etc. are examples of inorganic pigments. Lake colours are examples of organic pigments.

Ultramarine Blue, Iron Oxide Yellow, Chromium Oxide Green, Manganese Violet, Titanium Dioxide etc. are the colours available in inorganic pigments. India also exports the blended inorganic colourants such as Iron Oxide Burgundy, Iron Oxide Sienna, Iron Oxide Amber etc. Inorganic pigments also comes in Lo Micron Iron Oxide variants such as red, yellow and black.

Organic Pigment colours consist of lake colours such as Lake of Allura Red, Lake Patent Blue, Lake of Indigo Carmine etc. Since organic pigments are derived from minerals, the colours can also be classified on the basis of mineral lakes such as Aluminium (Al) Lakes, Calcium (Ca) Lakes, Barium (Ba) Lakes, and so on.

• Cost

Inorganic pigment colours are more economical and cost-effective than organic colorants.

• Dispersion

Compared to organic pigments, inorganic pigments are easier to disperse and therefore used for various applications. Particle size and surface chemistries of the compounds used for making pigments are different. Stabilization of the particles poses a challenge in the pigment dispersion process. Incorrect processes can lead to improper dispersion.

The dispersion process affects the economics and quality of the finished pigment colours. So, pigments needing minimum dispersion are frequently chosen to boost the output quantities in manufacturing units.

As per a recent market research report by Technavio, the inorganic pigments industry will progress at a CAGR of 4% by the year 2021. High stability of inorganic pigment colours and high particle dispersion makes it a popular choice for the manufacture of cosmetics and pharma products. Industry researchers feel that the dispersion benefits of the inorganic pigment will push the industry growth and development of the worldwide inorganic pigment market in the coming years.

Pigment colours for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

When it comes to pigment colours, leading pigment manufacturers in India have to follow certain standards and guidelines. For each market, the common industry best practices may be similar but the regulatory guidelines for specific colours that have be followed, varies from one country to another.

Also, there are stringent regulations for different types of pigments. India is home to some of the leading pigment suppliers for cosmetic and personal care products. Depending on the product composition, pigment colours are used for making products such as soaps, face wash, creams etc.

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Variety of Pigments Colours

A wide range of inorganic colour pigments consisting of Inorganic Colourants, Blended Inorganic and Lo Micron colours, are formulated for colour cosmetic product manufacturers. India exports these pigments as well as caters to the pigment needs of locally produced cosmetic products with the help of reputed cosmetic color companies.

On the basis of regulatory requirements, organic colour pigments are classified as D&C Lake Colours (Drug and Cosmetics Lake Colours), FD&C Lake Colours (Food Drug and Cosmetics Lake Colours), Non D&C and FD&C Pigments, and EEC Lake Colours.

FD&C colour guidelines are followed by pigment manufacturers in India to create cosmetics colour solutions for the US market. EEC Lake colours are prepared in accordance with the directive by the European Economic Community (EEC) for pigment colours used in cosmetics for the European markets.

Popular Inorganic Pigments

• Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide is used for manufacturing white colour cosmetic products such as nail colours, lip balms, etc. Titanium dioxide is a key ingredient in most of the sunscreen cream formulations.
• To add dark blue colouring to cosmetics, Iron Blue or Ferric Ferrocyanide is used.
• Mica is used mainly in powder-based cosmetics such as makeup foundation, blush powder etc.
• Iron oxide is added to achieve red, yellow and black colours for cosmetics.
• Chromium dioxide is widely used for making green-coloured cosmetics.
• Ultramarines lend brighter cosmetic colours such as bright violet, bright blue, green and pink.
• Manganese Violet is utilised in cosmetics such as nail paints, hair colours, lip sticks etc. and a number of personal care products such as skin creams, shower gels etc.

Other pigment colours

Blended Inorganic pigments are used for creating Amber, Sienna, Tan and Burgundy shades. Organic pigments are generally available in the form of colour lakes made using minerals such as calcium, barium, etc. Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue and a number of other shades can be developed using organic pigments.

Why are ingredients important for cosmetics colour composition?

To create the vibrant colours, pigment colours are made using chromium dioxide, iron oxides, ultramarines, and so on. But as per region-specific laws and regulations, use of some of the pigments is restricted or limited for manufacturing of certain products in specific nations.

For every colour that is manufactured, extensive research is required with rigorous testing procedures. Also, additional certifications may be required for conforming to regulatory standards. These regulations are in place to ensure safer use of colours for its various applications.

Bright and luscious cosmetics receive their colours and sometimes, even functional attributes with pigment colours. But pigment manufacturers in India have to pay attention to the quality control, regulatory guidelines and other specifications which varies from client to client.

Finally, with great quality pigment colourants, product manufacturers are able to deliver great cosmetics and personal care products to users.