Cosmetic lakes
and cosmetic pigments have come a long way with innovative research catering to
the increasing demand for better shades by consumers. These days, brands are investing
heavily in research and development labs. Safety standards continue to emphasize
on controlling the presence of heavy metals in cosmetic colours such as color
pigments for the prevention of health concerns.
Let’s take
a closer look at the world of color pigments for cosmetics.
Purpose Of Cosmetic Colors
In
cosmetics, colors are used to indicate a lot of things. The most common reason
for giving so much colors is for spoiling the consumer with a choice of numerous
shades to go with their attire. This idea is promoted mainly for selling nail colors
and lipsticks. Colors can be used to complement the product packaging colors as
well.
Different Types Of Color AdditivesIn Cosmetics
For
cosmetics, there are two types of color additives: Organic and Inorganic.
Organic colors contain carbon atoms while inorganic colors have a mineral base.
Organic
colors are of two types: Organic Lakes and
Organic Pigments. Synthetic dyes and lake colors such as aluminum lakes come
under organic colors. Organic dyes can be oil-soluble or water-soluble. There
are very few oil-soluble dyes that are approved for use in cosmetics. Organic pigments consist of lakes and
botanically derived colors.
Inorganic colors consist of pigments such as ultramarines, titanium dioxide etc. Oxides
such as zinc oxides, iron oxides etc. are also inorganic colors. Additional
treatments are used to enhance the characteristics of the colors. Enhancements
such as sheen, UV protection, water-resistance etc. are achieved in cosmetic
products by performing specific color treatments.
Safety Before Variety
There are a number of color variants that can be developed using the color additives
available in the market. So, can any color be used for making cosmetics? Not
really. Specific colors in prescribed consistencies have to be used for the manufacturing of specific cosmetics.
Cosmetic
dyes approved for lip products may not be approved by use on the eyes. Also,
the colors suitable for people of a specific skin type in one nation may not be
suitable for people with varying skin type from another nation. The rigorous
nature of the tests for cosmetic colours is put in place by regulatory
authorities to ensure that the ingredients in the colors do not harm the end
user of the cosmetics.
Cosmetic
manufacturers have to, therefore, work along with reputed cosmetic colours manufacturers to
develop cosmetic lakes and cosmetic pigments as per the laws of the country
where the cosmetic products are intended to be marketed and sold.
Color codes
and color numbers on cosmetic labels are clearly printed on the cosmetics for
users to understand the approved colors used in the products. USFDA is one of
the leading authorities with specific guidelines for use of cosmetic colors. Color
Index (CI) is the standard for identifying colors for cosmetics meant for the
European Union regions.
To cater to the needs of cosmetics companies,
several facilities in Asian counties such as India are well-equipped. Reputed
businesses are capable of producing cost-effective, high quality cosmetics
using cosmetic
lakes, cosmetic pigments and cosmetic dyes in India that comply
with the USFDA, EU and other markets where the demand for color cosmetics is
high.
There is no denying the fact that
impurities or intentional actions can lead to excessive concentrations of heavy
metal such as arsenic, lead, mercury, zinc, iron, cadmium, aluminium or
chromium in cosmetics. Human skin exposure to these heavy metal elements in
cosmetics has been a concern due to the health issues connecting them with
nervous system toxicity, reproduction issues, etc. According
to a study, metals did not pose a potential health hazard for
humans if used as per safety guidelines.
Be it the USFDA, World Health Organization
(WHO) or the European Union (EU) standards,
there is a parameter of Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) or similar with
conditions for helping manufacturers and consumers to understand the
permissible limits of metals in cosmetic products.If you notice, most studies
will tell you about the side-effects of excessive use of heavy metal in
cosmetics. This means that consumers can safely use beauty or healthcare
products with metal concentrations that are within the safety limits.
With reliable monitoring, testing and
quality assurance procedures, safer cosmetic colours can be manufactured for
consumers. Today, Koel colors is one of the trusted producers of safety-complaint
cosmetic colours because the company follows stringent workflows to control
heavy metals in cosmetic dyes and cosmetic pigments.
