Global Trends in Cosmetic Industry

Cosmetic dyes are widely used for various purposes across various sectors and industries. They especially have a wide variety of uses in the cosmetic industry. They are used across hair dyes, nail polish, lipsticks. Thus the one factor most of us are most concerned about is in regard to the safety. We always wonder how safe using these would be. However before we go into further details of understanding how to make use of the right cosmetic colours and dyes to make your product more attractive and safe for your customer, let us get to know what they are.

Cosmetic dyes and colours: Explained

Cosmetic colours are also known as cosmetic lakes. These colours are produced by taking the help of absorption of dyes that are water soluble onto a substrate. It makes the colour insoluble in water. Cosmetic lake colors are made by making use of unique technology. The technology helps in attaining extremely fine particles. These particles help in achieving shade consistency. In comparison water soluble colours cosmetic lakes are much more stable. They also generate vivacious and brighter colours. It has been seen that cosmetic pigments and lakes are more suitable for food products that contain fats and oils. They are also suitable for those products that do not contain enough moisture for dissolving colours.

Cosmetic dyes, on the other hand are used for making cosmetic colours. These dyes are widely used by the cosmetic manufacturing industries and businesses. They are primarily used for manufacturing hair dyes, lipsticks, nail polishes, shampoo as well as other personal care products. It has been seen that generally water soluble & food dyes are very easy and safe to use. These dyes are mostly used for a wide variety of applications. They include cleaning chemicals, soaps, cosmetic products etc.

Know which ones are safe for use

Be it the use of any type of cosmetic dyes or cosmetic colorants safety of use is a primary consideration. Cosmetic colours and cosmetic dyes often make use of a wide range of synthetic colours. These are often referred to as FD&C colours. They are mainly extracted through coal tar and are basically a by-product of petroleum. Research shows that some particular coal tar based dyes lead to different types of cancer. This is why the FDA regulates them. They also determine the arsenic or lead amount they contain. Thus there are many restrictions in the use of such colours.

Some global trends in Cosmetic dyes and cosmetic colours

World wide it is seen that North America, followed by Europe, has the largest market for color cosmetics. This is due to innovations in color cosmetics. Other factors also include high consumer disposable income and frequent new product launches in color cosmetic market in the region. However Asia too is expected to show high growth rate in the color cosmetics market in next few years. This is on account of the increasing consumer incomes and rising in awareness about personal care products in the region.

Cosmetic Colors and Cosmetic Dyes – Are they Safe?

Selecting an appropriate colour for the desired product can be extremely confusing. With cosmetic colours and cosmetic dyes, food, drugs, cosmetics and other industries can not only achieve the desired color for their products but also use them for attracting their customers. Here, find out more about cosmetic colours and cosmetic dyes in India and which ones are safe to use.

Cosmetic Colours and Cosmetic Dyes Explained
Cosmetic colours or cosmetic lakes are produced with the help of absorption of dyes that are water soluble onto a substrate that renders the colour insoluble in water. Cosmetic lake colors are created using unique technology that further aids in attaining extremely fine particles. These particles are helpful in achieving shade consistency. In comparison to the colours that are easily soluble in water, the cosmetic lakes are way more stable and generate vivacious as well as brighter colours. In fact, cosmetic pigments and lakes are more suitable for food products that contain fats and oils or even those products that do not contain enough moisture for dissolving colours.

Superior quality colour pigments do not dissolve in solvents and produce bright and attractive colours. They are stable against light, alkalis and acids and bleed less in water.

Cosmetic dyes, on the other hand, are used for producing cosmetic colours. Dyes are extensively used by the cosmetic manufacturing industries and businesses. They are primarily used for manufacturing hair dyes, lipsticks, nail polishes, shampoo and other personal care products. Water soluble & food dyes are very easy and safe to use. They are used for a wide variety of applications including that of cleaning chemicals, soaps, cosmetic products etc.

Which ones are safe?
Cosmetic colours and cosmetic dyes are used in a wide range of synthetic colours. These synthetic colours are referred to as FD&C colours and are essentially extracted through coal tar, which is basically a by-product of petroleum. Since some of the coal tar based dyes are known to cause different types of cancer, the FDA regulates them and determines the arsenic or lead amount they contain, thereby limiting them to 10 parts/million. As far as the U.S. is concerned, the country permits its industries to use the below mentioned artificial colours:

• FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF, E133)-used in the manufacturing of lotions and soaps.
• Blue No.4. FD&C Black No.2 and No.3. FD&C Brown No.1. FD&C Green No. 3
• FD&C Orange No. 4, 5, 10 and 11. FD&C Red 4, 6, 7, 17, 21, 22, 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC, E129).
• FD&C Violet No.2. FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine, E102). FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF, E110) and F&G Yellow No: 7, 8, 10, 11.

A couple of Synthetic lake colors are safe to be used for coloring of products. These include disperse black 9, which is commonly used for manufacturing Henna based hair dye. On the other hand, HC yellow 2 is less hazardous and is perfectly safe when used at concentration level of 3 percent.

Evaluating Health Issues Possibility with Aluminium Lake Colours

For people outside the food services industry, the term lake means what it should usually mean. However, for anyone involved with food processing and packaging, it has a completely exclusive significance. Essentially, the ‘lake’ is a generic term defining aluminium based coloring pigments used for food preservation and marketing. Obviously, anyone may feel that it is unhealthy to ingest something that consists of a metallic ingredient. In order to clear your confusions, rely upon scientific facts and the insights derived thereon. About using the Aluminium lake colours, you should be sure of partnering with a reputed provider with utmost safety standards at the production and processing unit. The following pointers intend to assist clients clear their confusions on the use of edible pigments.

It consists of Alumina
The Lakes do not contain of elemental aluminium, but in its oxide form or as Alumina. This compound itself is not the pigment, but a carrier of the pigment one would use with the food product. The typical colour of Lakes is blue, but they are also available in a variety of other shades. The Food and Drug Administration in the US permits the use of these colours on edibles. On your part, make sure that the production unit employs the best methods to prevent the presence of impurities in the Lake. Look up the R&D section of the service website in having a clear assurance of quality.

Adaptability with Aluminium
While you contemplate on the effects of lake colours on the body, it should be necessary to note a few important aspects about this. Alumina, although not so well-known, yet is actually one of the most abundant elements in earth’s crust. The third abundant element has been used since long to prepare cooking and dining utensils. It is also a common ingredient in almost any toothpaste you would normally use.

The point here is that your body is not alien to process this metallic residue, unless of course it is in excess amount. Therefore, your priority should be to obtain the colours from a production unit maintaining stringent quality control parameters in preparation of the pigments. Limit the percentage of using the dye by only the minimum required amount, just to be safe about the edible product.

Scientific data
Available scientific data shows that the body has excellent adaptability with this chemical. A 1981 study showed that even when subjects were given over 350 mg/meter cube of respirable Alumina for 10 minutes daily over a long period, the adverse results were only minimal. Although some people may hold the view that alumina causes Alzheimer’s, but this connection is also at the best tenuous due to lack of scientific corroboration.

Selecting Indian provider
On choosing a suitable provider for lake colours in India, you need to be sure about a few things. Firstly, make sure that it is a reputable and licensed service. See if they also serve export operations to first world countries. That should prove very well the commitment to international quality standards. Always discuss all your issues directly with the support staffs at your preferred service.

Use cosmetic lake colors to expand your product line

Today, we live in a world that mesmerizes our senses with the impressive effects of a wide colour spectrum. Among these are the cosmetics that promote ravishing lip shades and attractive eye shadows. Cosmetic colours are used to add those catchy colours in cosmetic products. These colours are made using dyes and pigments. Lake pigments are primarily used in cosmetics.

Why use Lake colors?

The Britannica encyclopaedia defines lake pigments as ‘any of a class of pigments composed of organic dyes that have been rendered insoluble by interaction with a compound of a metal.’ The purity of the dye content determines the hue and shade of the lake colour. Lake colours are widely used because they are insoluble in water.

Food, Pharma and Cosmetic industries use lake colours in their various products. Extensive choice of cosmetic colours is the reason behind the variety of cosmetic products in the market today. Leading manufacturers of lake colours in India follow global standards to create export-quality products. The characteristics of lake colours such as particle size, moisture content, oil adsorption, pH stability and gravity ensure the right level of consistency while creating batches of colours for use in products.

There are natural as well as synthetic lake colours. In cosmetic colours, aluminium lake colours are widely used. Aluminium lake colours are responsible for some of the stunning cosmetics in the market today. Brilliant blue lake, Amaranth lake, Sunset yellow lake, Indigo carmine lake, Quinoline yellow lake, Allura red lake, etc. are some commonly used aluminium lake colours. Calcium and Zirconium lakes can also be used in cosmetics.

Listed below are four popular uses of cosmetic lake colors:

1. Eye Makeup – Cosmetics lake colors for eyes are to be created strictly as per the guidelines of the relevant authorities and law of the country. Manufacturers have to give special attention to cosmetic colour ingredients for eyes as any lapse can lead to loss of eyesight.
2. Lip care – Lips just like eyes are sensitive and therefore, only the prescribed colours are to be used in lipsticks. Due to their insoluble nature, lake colours prevent bleeding of colours which helps in making the best lipsticks.
3. Nail care – Nail art is all about beautiful colours. For a consistent spread of colours, cosmetic lakes are used in the manufacture of colours for nail paint and nail lacquers.
4. Blush and Compact Powder – Cosmetic lake colors are used in a dry mix form to render bright and beautiful shades in blush and compact powder product lines.

To conclude, cosmetic lakes are chosen because of their physical characteristics of brightness and consistency. Reputed manufacturers who understand the legalities and have the expertise of utilising colour characteristics produce high-quality lake colours in India. We are experts in producing lake colours. We can guide you to choose the right palette of cosmetic lakes to expand your cosmetic products line.

Which colours would you like to use in your products? What are your concerns about cosmetic lakes?

What are Artificial Colors?

Artificial colors are widely used in different types of products and items available in the market today. Right from nail polish, medications, toothpaste, food products and almost every other item today consists of artificial colors. In fact, our clothes, shoes, bed linens and carpets also consist of artificial colors or cosmetic colors that make them look more attractive and appealing. Read on to find out more about artificial colors and their usage.

Artificial Colors Defined

Artificial colors are basically a combination of seven artificial dyes that have been approved by the food authorities. These colors include Blue 1, Green 3, Blue 2, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 6 and Yellow 6. Thus, the manufacturers can use certain combination of colors for creating cosmetic pigments depending upon their choice and preference. The artificial colors are basically sourced from a combination of different food dyes.

Reasons for Avoiding Artificial Colors in Food

It is no hidden secret that artificial colors consist of different types of chemicals that are usually extracted from petroleum based products. Thus, they can cause numerous health problems such as allergy problems, cancer and other behavioral changes. Some of the common problems caused by artificial colors include ADHD, Confusion, Eczema, Frustration, Hyperactivity, Itchiness, Mood Swings and Sleep Disturbances and Violent outbursts among other health issues. As a result, a number of European food manufacturing companies are not using artificial or cosmetic colors in their products.

• Hyperactive Children: Artificial colors often make children more hyperactive and impact their learning ability negatively. According to the washingtonpost, artificial food colors can cause children with no behavioral issues inattentive and hyperactive.
• Do Not Add Any Value: Artificial colors do not add any value to our food items. The truth is that artificial colors are only used for making food and beverages attractive and appealing. Hence, the food and drug authorities are now banning the use of artificial colors in food products.However, they have permitted the use of cosmetic colors or artificial colors in production of cosmetic products. A growing number of cosmetic companies use cosmetic lakes, consisting of iron oxide, titanium dioxide and ultramarines, at the time of manufacturing their beauty products and items.
• Cause Obesity Problems: Another reason why artificial colors must not be included in food products is because they cause obesity problems. Both adults and children are easily attracted to junk food items simply because they are more colorful and appealing. This often causes obesity in them and many of them tend to gain unnecessary weight.

Given the above scenario, an increasing number of food products manufacturing companies are now replacing artificial colors with natural or organic colors. In fact, in the U.S. alone around 40 percent of food and beverage manufacturers have replaced artificial colors with natural colors. These natural colors are extracted from organic or natural sources and are undoubtedly good for health. Consumers must therefore go through the labels on their food packets and products and find out whether the ingredients and colors used for making them are natural or artificial.

5 Myths of Organic Colors

Organic colors are increasingly preferred by consumers in their food, cosmetics as well as beverages. In fact, a growing number of consumers want colors to have organic pigments derived from natural and quality sources. According to a recent study, around 66 percent of consumers demand organic colors instead of synthetic colors in their food, beverages and other products. Needless to mention, color is one of the main things that people use for recalling the quality and taste of their favorite food items. This is precisely why almost every company and brand is now using natural color pigments at the time of designing and creating of their products. However, there are several myths and misconceptions about organic colors. Here, find top 5 myths about organic colors.

• Myth One: The Shade Vibrancy must be Sacrificed: The truth is that based on the type of the application, one can achieve vivid and bright shades. A number of food items from Europe lack the vibrancy that is usually found in food products from North as well as South America. However, the fact is the food manufacturing companies in Europe started using colored natural pigments much before the companies in North or South America. Apart from this, Europe’s food manufacturing companies use coloring food that offers minimal vibrancy. On the other hand, consumers in North America always prefer using natural color obtained from natural sources.
• Myth Two: Shade Should Be Variable: It is not necessary for food manufacturing companies to maintain variability at the time of using organic colors. Companies that manufacture natural colors maintain the requisite standards, quality and consistency during the production of organic colors.
• Myth Three: Organic colors leave Behind Unwanted Off- Flavors: While, it is true that there are plenty of organic colors sources that leave off-flavors behind, however, with the advanced purification and filtration technologies available today, one can easily get rid of the undesirable flavors obtained via natural sources. Thus, organic color products and solutions can be easily customized to achieve the desired shade without leaving any undesired flavor behind.
• Myth Four: Organic Colors are Not Very Stable: This is a very common misconception among consumers. However, this isn’t really true. In a recent study conducted on panned chocolate, the organic color was much more stable in comparison to the synthetic color.
• Myth Five: Organic Colors Are Very Expensive: This is yet another common myth and one that certainly needs to be clarified. When it comes to buying any food item, consumers usually pay heed to both color and flavor. Thus, organic colors are not always expensive. In fact, synthetic colors are much more efficient.

To sum up, organic colors are absolutely safe and can be conveniently included in the different types of food products, beverages and other items. In fact, many consumers in North America are now demanding organic colors in their products. As a result, organic color manufacturing companies are now using technologies and tools to improve the quality, performance and cost of the organic colors.

How Are Pigment Colours Made?

Pigments are generally coloured, solid powders that are usually insoluble. All paints are made from the ingredient known as pigment. Pigments are not soluble and are not applied as solutions but as solid particles mixed with a liquid. Generally the same pigments are employed in water and oil based paints, printed inks and plastics. They were first extracted from clay or earth. Even though most of the pigment manufacturers use age old process of preparing pigments and then convert them into clay, modern pigments are synthesized in laboratories.

Cosmetic pigments are divided into inorganic pigments and organic pigments. Most of the inorganic pigments lasts longer and are brighter than the organic ones. Organic pigments have been used for centuries for various purposes. However, most of the pigments used today are either synthetic organic ones or inorganic. Synthetic organic pigments are manufactured from coal tars and other petrochemicals. Inorganic pigments are made with the help of simple chemical reactions such as oxidation. When in requirement of bright shades organic pigments are used and they have high colour strength. When manufacturing dull shades inorganic pigments are used. Inorganic pigments have weak colour strength.

Apart from other uses, pigments are also used in cosmetics. Both organic pigments, inorganic pigments are used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Organic pigments manufacturer makes lakes, inorganic pigment manufacturer makes iron oxides. Organic and inorganic colours are used by the cosmetic pigment manufacturer in their cosmetic manufacturing. Both iron oxide and lakes are non toxic in nature and don’t create any reaction on the skin. Most of the cosmetic manufacturer uses these in their makeup since there is no chance of skin allergies.

Iron oxides come in a range of colours such as black iron oxide, yellow iron oxide and so on. The colour tone depends on factors such s pH, temperature, concentration and so on. Lakes are produced by soluble dye with metallic salts. While organic colours are certified, Iron oxides are none certifies but are widely used in makeup products such as foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows etc.

Inorganic pigments include white opaque pigments that are used to lighten other colours and also to provide opacity. The most significant member of the class is titanium dioxide. White extender pigments are added to the paints so as to improve their properties as well as lower their cost. This class includes calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, china clays and diatomaceous silica. Black pigments are mostly created from particles of carbon. Iron oxide earth pigments create yellow-browns, browns and orange-browns. Certain compounds of chromium create oranges, chrome yellows and greens. Various compounds of cadmium results in oranges, bright yellows and reds.

Organic pigments are synthesized from aromatic hydrocarbons. Organic pigments include azo pigments. They account for most of the organic orange, red and yellow pigments. Copper phthalocyanines provide strong greens and blues. Some pigments like fluorescent ones are dyes that have been rendered insoluble by chemical reaction. In terms of usage both lakes and oxides are good option as they don’t have any side effects. Bothe organic and inorganic pigments can be used irrespective of age or skin types. With regard to cosmetic paints, lakes and oxides are better than industrial paints or ink

5 Things to Know Before Choosing Cosmetic Dyes

Cosmetic colours are widely used to create variety of cosmetics ranging from eye colour, lipsticks, nail elements and much more. They do not pose any harmful effects on the skin and does not result in skin allergies. Cosmetic manufacturers use synthetic as well as organic colours based on customers’ requirements. In the production of such cosmetic colours, cosmetic pigments and cosmetic dyes are used. However, such manufacturers adhere to the rules and regulations strictly while producing cosmetic dyes in India. With each passing day, the cosmetic manufacturers are adding more colour to the cosmetics and customers are looking for buying such products and increase their cosmetic collection.

There are certain things that should be taken into account while choosing cosmetic dyes in India. Some of the factors that are taken into account have been discussed below:

• Organic pigments for personal care and cosmetics:Carbons and other molecules are used to make organic pigments. Usually organic pigments used for personal care and cosmetics are cosmetic colours that are classified as toners, lake dyes and true pigments. The pigments that are used are certified and are of high quality so that there is no reaction the skin. Usually organic pigment colours are much brighter than inorganic pigments.
• Inorganic pigments for cosmetics and personal care:Chromium, ultramarine, iron oxides and so on are very popular among cosmetic manufacturers. These are inorganic pigments that are largely used in cosmetic manufacturing along with other pigments such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Such pigments are more opaque and resistant to solvents.
• Oil soluble colours for personal care and cosmetics:Cosmetic dyes are also available in oil soluble colours for personal care and cosmetics. Depending upon the formulation of the product there are various application for oil soluble cosmetic colours. Some of the oil soluble cosmetic colours include ultramarines and oxides.
• Water soluble colours for personal care and cosmetics:Cosmetic dyes are available in water soluble colours. Such water soluble colours are of high quality and is ideal for personal care products as well as cosmetics. In case of clear products water soluble cosmetic colours give good transparent colours. In case of opaque cosmetic products water soluble cosmetic colours are used to give them a light tint. These are also perfect for soaps, lotion, powders etc.
• Colour solution and colour mud for nail care and lip care respectively:Nail paints and cosmetics for lip care are in high demand and fall under the highest selling categories in cosmetics. Cosmetic colours such as Titanium Dioxide, Mica, iron oxides and organic pigments are used in nail paints. For making nail paints pigments are used. To produce high quality nail care products, the colours need good solubility properties.

In case of cosmetic colours for lip care it is available in the form of inorganic and organic pigments. Since high quality colours are used application of such cosmetics on sensitive skin does not result in any side effects. Colour mud is available in wide range of colours such as green, yellow, purple and more.

Organic Pigments vs Inorganic Pigments for Cosmetic Makeup

Cosmetics are both loved by men and women these days. But often people have a confusion between organic and inorganic pigments that are used in makeup items. However, there are only two types of pigments such as the iron oxides which are inorganic and the lakes which are organic. Interestingly, the cosmetic pigment manufacturer uses both inorganic and organic colors in their pigments. If you want to more about these two types of pigments go through this page and get enlightened:

Why use the pigments?

There are several reasons for using the cosmetic pigments in makeups. For instance, iron oxides are used since it is the most common and stable form of elements. Also, these are non toxic and available in different colors for use. Coming to organic ones, these are similar to the inorganic ones as they don’t react on the skin. In fact, most cosmetic manufacturers use these straight away in their makeup since there are no chances of skin allergies.

Color ingredients

Coming to the color ingredients, iron oxides are available in a range of various colors such as yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide and many more. The color tone also depends on several factors such as the temperature, pH, radius, concentration,etc. In case of lakes, these are produced by soluble dye with metallic salts. These are known as the metal salts and these are certified colors. Organic colors are also certified and safe to use.

Iron oxides are non certified colors and are widely used in coverup makeup products.Presently, iron oxides are being used in makeup items such as lipsticks, foundations, eye shadows, etc. Interestingly, various skin colors are being produced using the iron oxides under different conditions.

Product viscosity

This depends entirely on the technician and they choose the viscosity according to their need. For instance, when it comes to cosmetic pigments there is the oil painting makeup as well the sumi painting makeup. The former involves a permanent makeup style, whereas the latter is given to those who aren’t sure if they want a permanent makeup.

Which is a better option?

In terms of use both oxides and lakes are a good option. Both of these don’t have any side effects or cause skin allergies, so are safe to be used on your skin. In fact, both organic and inorganic pigments are a good choice, irrespective of your age since it suits all skin types. Also, when it comes to cosmetic pigments oxides and lakes are better than inks or industrial paints. Even though oxides fade over time, but it doesn’t make you look old as in the case of ink.

With that being said, both the pigments are equally popular and widely used in cosmetic makeup. One of the primary reasons for this is because they are safe on your skin. So, now as you know all the details about these pigments used in cosmetic makeup choose your preferable one and give yourself the desirable look.