Color Pigments In Cosmetics: Safety, Usage And More!

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.

Busting The Myth Of Heavy Metal In Cosmetic Colors

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.

Learn more about safer color pigments in cosmetics with the assistance of the color experts at Koel Colors. To know more, contact +91 22 6825 2300.

Top Trends in the Global Pigments Market for 2018

The pigments market is poised for continued growth and advancement globally in 2018. According to a report released by Ceresana, a leading market consultancy and research firm, the global market for pigments would generate approximately $34.2 billion in 2020. The report further indicated that the inorganic and organic pigments markets will witness massive growth, since they’re majorly linked to the construction industry’s growth and success. Thus, it goes without saying that the pigments market will continue to grow and expand in the years to come. Here, discover the top trends for global pigments market in 2018.

Trends to Watch Out for in 2018

Pigment manufacturers can look forward to sustained growth and development in the global pigments market in 2018. According to market experts, the manufacturers of pigments India-wide will witness an increased demand for biopigments, sustainable paints as well as pigments colours that offer functional advantages.

Increased Demand for Biopigments: Pigment manufacturers will witness a surge in demand for organic or biopigments in 2018. Both, cosmetic manufactures India-wide as well as consumers who’re deeply concerned about their safety and health will look forward to invest in organic pigments in 2018, despite its high price. The inorganic pigment colours contain chromium, lead as well as cadmium and are excellent for users who’re searching for colorfast pigments. However, they affect the environment negatively. As a result an increased number of manufacturers are focusing on manufacturing biopigments to minimize the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds. In fact, experts suggest that the manufacturers are consciously using bio based substances to protect themselves against the volatile prices of oil as well as to minimize carbon emission.

Growth of Sustainable and Premium Quality Paints: Coatings and paints require pigments in large quantities, as it further imparts them with the desired level of finish and color. Additionally, pigments also enable paints as well as coats to safeguard different surfaces against harmful weather and corrosion. As a result, pigment manufacturers are witnessing the growth of sustainable and premium quality paints. Consumers are increasingly searching for industrial quality paints with reduced level of lead components and compounds. In fact, there’s any increased demand for coatings and paints with low Volatile Organic Compounds since hydrocarbons cause massive environment pollution. A good number of manufacturers are now emphasizing on meeting the compliance and regulatory standards for producing sustainable paints with ecological and appropriate labels. This is further helping consumers in making an informed choice. This trend will continue in 2018 as well, as more and more consumers will look forward to using high quality, affordable and sustainable paints to meet their requirements.

Demand for Pigment Colours with Functional Advantages: There’s a surge in demand for inorganic pigment colours for enhancing the aesthetics as well as the functional value of paints and plastic-based products. Such pigment colours help in safeguarding against dampness, fungi, harsh weather conditions, corrosion as well as other harmful effects on the walls of a building. This is precisely why pigment manufacturing companies are witnessing an increase in demand for pigment colours that offer functional advantages.

What Can Consumers Expect from the Cosmetic Industry in the Next Biennium?

The cosmetic industry has undergone major transformations in the past couple of years. From offering value to clients through superior quality and innovative beauty productsto changing their entire approach towards their lifestyle, cosmetics today offer value for money in addition to immediate and effective results. In the next couple of months, consumers are likely to expect new trends and developments in terms of newer, greener as well as sustainable cosmetic products. Here, find out what you can expect for the next biennium in the cosmetic market.

High Performance and Sustainable Products : One of the first trends that consumers are likely to witness will come in the form of choosing sustainable or organic pigments for cosmetics. Consumers across the globe are consciously searching for cosmetic products that are greener, sustainable and cause no harm to the environment. As a result, they shop for cosmetics only after they’re sure about the source of its origin as well as the raw materials used for creating them. Thus, cosmetic products manufacturing companies will have to emphasize on sourcing high-quality and organic pigments for cosmetics in order to create high-performing and environment friendly products for consumers world-wide. This also implies that they’ll have to avoid ingredients derived after slaughtering of animals and develop natural and organic pigment colours and other ingredients for manufacturing a wide range of beauty products.

Organic Cosmetic Colorants : Another key trend that will drive the cosmetic market and industry at large will be seen in the form of the usage of organic cosmetic colorants for manufacturing a host of beauty and cosmetic products including lip balms, lip gloss, lipstick and lotions among others. This is also one of the major reasons why a growing number of cosmetic companies are now looking to partner with reputed and reliable pigment manufacturers in india, who can further provide them with trusted and approved dyes, lake colors and mica colors for cosmetics.

Safer and Non-reactive Cosmetics : Cosmetic companies, around the world, use iron oxide, lakes and oxides for creating a range of beauty products including lipstick, blush, face powder and eye shadows. As a result, in the next two years, cosmetic manufacturer will drop inorganic ingredients and replace them with organic ingredients to provide consumers with safer and non-reactive beauty products.

Advanced and Innovative Products : In the next two years, the cosmetic market will keep on adding advanced and innovative cosmetic products. Thus, the market will be largely driven by innovation and technology. Given that more and more consumers are now concerned about the impact of pollution and are leading a highly stressful life, they’re bound to shift their focus towards products that are innovative, natural and specially formulated, all at the same time. Hence, cosmetic companies and manufacturers will opt for proprietary and technologically advanced cosmetic pigments and lakes for creating superior grade cosmetics that are soft and cause no harm to the skin. From creating cosmetics with fine particles to achieving the desired consistency in terms of color and shades, cosmetic manufactures will leave no stone unturned in manufacturing products of the highest quality and make.

Asia: The new frontier in the world of color cosmetics

The world of cosmetics is all about colors. Generally, customers choose cosmetics based on the color they love the most. Nowadays, colors are available in two varieties – dyes and pigments. The cosmetic colors give the customers more color options to make them look and feel great.

Dyes are typically organic colors and pigments are synthetic colors. These color types are basically chosen based on the color combination and the finish they require. Again, certain colors are selected based on the application in areas such as eyes, lips etc.

Certified colors are a must for cosmetics. For colors that are made from organic sources, certifications may not be required but compliance rules must be followed. Extreme care is taken to manufacture colors by established manufacturers.

Major color cosmetic manufacturers nowadays use organic or synthetic colors based on the preference of clients who generally want high-quality cosmetic colors. Cosmetic dyes and cosmetic pigments are used in the production of cosmetic colorants. Reputed color cosmetic & pigment manufacturers in India always adhere to the rules and regulations for producing cosmetic dyes in India.

Before proceeding, we must know about color cosmetics and the use of dyes in cosmetics. It is a fad. Basically, color cosmetic is all about dye or colorant. These colorants emphasize the quality of the cosmetics.

Dyes are important for the cosmetic industry. They help in providing the real color required in the cosmetic products such as lipsticks, nailpaints, blusher, colorpalettes etc. Generally, pigments are used to produce and achieve a perfect color shade in the products.

Some of the products in which Asia is leading are:

• Dyes in cosmetics
• Organic pigments for cosmetics
• Oil soluble colors for cosmetics
• Water soluble colors for cosmetics
• Color solution for nail care

China spends $24 per person annually on personal care and cosmetics products, whereas South Korea and Japan spends $171 and $174 respectively. Recent study found that Asian consumers pay more attention to cosmetic colors and they also prefer a specific solution for each step of their beauty regimen.

Skin care products represent up to 40% of sales in some markets in 2016. But, as Korean and Indian TV and pop-stars dominate the culture; numerous young and professional women are experimenting with color cosmetics.

Asian men are also using both personal care and grooming products. Like women, they are also valuing
clear skin tone and experiment with color cosmetics, styling products, conditioners and colorants.

The main trends for 2017 where Asia is leading in the world of color cosmetics are:

• Manicures and pedicures with an emphasis on bright colors, color-fast gels, textured, decorative coatings and crystals
• Hair coloring products
• Nail colors, nail-care products, artificial nails, soft nail gels
• Color cosmetics, including long-lasting lip stick, cream-based eye shadows.

Overall, cosmetics is a very competitive industry with many branded and non-branded product variants available in the market. So, additives are added to cosmetic colors for creatingsome specialized cosmetics that have fluorescent colors, color-changing effect and glitter effect etc.

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.

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.

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

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.

What is the Difference? – Pigments vs Dyes

Ever wondered about the type of colours used in cosmetics. Based on the applications, cosmetic colours also known as colourant are classified into two types, dyes and pigments. Understanding the difference between cosmetic dyes and cosmetic pigments helps to choose the appropriate colourant for cosmetic manufacturers.

How different is the colouring process for cosmetic dyes and cosmetic pigments?

• The process of dyeing involves physical and chemical reactions. Pigments are colour particles that require a binding or dispersion agent to bind to the surface of the material to be coloured.
• Dyes have molecules that are smaller than pigment particles.
• Dyes are soluble in water and in certain types of solvents such as oil, alcohol, glycerine etc. Pigments are insoluble in water and many other solvents.
• Molecular study is required in choosing the dyes while it is not required in pigments. Crystal structure, particle properties, surface area & absorption, binder type and application are considered in the selection process of a pigment. Quantity of pigment to be used also makes a difference for products.

Key facts about Dyes

• Dyes can be organic or synthetic dyes. Organic dyes are obtained from natural resources.
• Brighter colours can be obtained through dyes.
• Dyes showcase poor fastness to light.
• Special-purpose Dyes can have properties such as heat-resistance, UV resistance, weather resistance etc.

Key facts about Cosmetic Pigments

• Cosmetic pigments are further divided into organic pigments and inorganic pigments. Organic pigments are of three types namely- Lakes, toners and true pigments. Inorganic pigments are made of different chemical types such as chromium dioxides, iron oxides, ultramarines etc.
• Organic pigments have high color strength while inorganic ones have weak colour strength.
• Bright shades can be obtained through organic pigments compared to dull shades by inorganic pigments.

Dyes are generally used for making hair dyes, lipsticks etc. Pigments such as oxides and more are used for giving vibrant shades to nail paints, blushes, face powders etc. In certain cases, it is possible to combine pigments and dyes for specific applications. Specific dyes and pigments are approved or restricted for use in cosmetics for application in certain body areas or cosmetic types. Dyes and Pigment manufacturers conduct tests and follow international standards with the prescribed amount of ingredients to ensure safe application of the colourants.

Natural colours derived from natural sources do not need to be certified in most places across the world. Synthetic organic colours have to be certified though. Reputed dyes and pigment manufacturers are aware of these certifications and laws for cosmetic colours that prevail in different parts of the world.

Koel Colours is a leading manufacturer of cosmetic colourants including cosmetic dyes, organic pigments and inorganic pigments. Since every cosmetic needs a specific colourant, Koel colours can lend their expertise to clients for choosing the compatible colours as per their needs.

Cosmetics are chosen based on colours most of the time. Any suggestions on selection of colours for cosmetics? Which cosmetic colour works well for you and why?

What is the Difference? – Pigments vs Dyes

Ever wondered about the type of colours used in cosmetics. Based on the applications, cosmetic colours also known as colourant are classified into two types, dyes and pigments. Understanding the difference between cosmetic dyes and cosmetic pigments helps to choose the appropriate colourant for cosmetic manufacturers.

How different is the colouring process for cosmetic dyes and cosmetic pigments?

• The process of dyeing involves physical and chemical reactions. Pigments are colour particles that require a binding or dispersion agent to bind to the surface of the material to be coloured.
• Dyes have molecules that are smaller than pigment particles.
• Dyes are soluble in water and in certain types of solvents such as oil, alcohol, glycerine etc. Pigments are insoluble in water and many other solvents.
• Molecular study is required in choosing the dyes while it is not required in pigments. Crystal structure, particle properties, surface area & absorption, binder type and application are considered in the selection process of a pigment. Quantity of pigment to be used also makes a difference for products.

Key facts about Dyes

• Dyes can be organic or synthetic dyes. Organic dyes are obtained from natural resources.
• Brighter colours can be obtained through dyes.
• Dyes showcase poor fastness to light.
• Special-purpose Dyes can have properties such as heat-resistance, UV resistance, weather resistance etc.

Key facts about Cosmetic Pigments

• Cosmetic pigments are further divided into organic pigments and inorganic pigments. Organic pigments are of three types namely- Lakes, toners and true pigments. Inorganic pigments are made of different chemical types such as chromium dioxides, iron oxides, ultramarines etc.
• Organic pigments have high color strength while inorganic ones have weak colour strength.
• Bright shades can be obtained through organic pigments compared to dull shades by inorganic pigments.

Dyes are generally used for making hair dyes, lipsticks etc. Pigments such as oxides and more are used for giving vibrant shades to nail paints, blushes, face powders etc. In certain cases, it is possible to combine pigments and dyes for specific applications. Specific dyes and pigments are approved or restricted for use in cosmetics for application in certain body areas or cosmetic types. Dyes and Pigment manufacturers conduct tests and follow international standards with the prescribed amount of ingredients to ensure safe application of the colourants.

Natural colours derived from natural sources do not need to be certified in most places across the world. Synthetic organic colours have to be certified though. Reputed dyes and pigment manufacturers are aware of these certifications and laws for cosmetic colours that prevail in different parts of the world.

Koel Colours is a leading manufacturer of cosmetic colourants including cosmetic dyes, organic pigments and inorganic pigments. Since every cosmetic needs a specific colourant, Koel colours can lend their expertise to clients for choosing the compatible colours as per their needs.

Cosmetics are chosen based on colours most of the time. Any suggestions on selection of colours for cosmetics? Which cosmetic colour works well for you and why?

Explore more shades with Cosmetic Colours today!

Cherry Red or Pretty Purple, with more colours, the excited consumers get more product variants and the manufacturer earns more profits. Colours play a very important role in the cosmetics industry. A lot of effort goes into finalizing the right colours for the right product in the cosmetic industry.

Although, the cosmetics industry is perceived as glamourous, it is a very serious business. Manufacturers and users of cosmetic colours in India have to stricty follow certain stringent regulations and adhere to the BIS quality standards. This inturn, ensures a safe product for consumers too.

Types of cosmetic colours

Cosmetic colours or colour additives can be classified into two categories: Cosmetic Dyes and Cosmetic Pigments.

Pigments can be inorganic pigments or organic pigments. Inorganic pigments consist of iron oxides, chromium dioxides, ultramarines, pealescent pearls etc. Organic pigments consist of cosmetic lakes, toners or true pigments.

Lakes are pigments used in cosmetics for their suitable chemical properties and colour characteristics. Cosmetic Lakes are created by absorbing the dye on a substrate and the dye turns into a water-insoluble colour by adapting the property of the substrate.

Dyes Vs Pigments

Cosmetic pigments are insoluble in most liquids including water while cosmetic dyes are water-soluble and soluble in many solvents. Cosmetic dyes are used mainly to create natural colours because dyes are made of organic compounds. On the other hand, pigments are generally made of inorganic compounds, sometimes with highly toxic contents. Dyes are combustible in nature while pigments are non-combustible in nature. In terms of shelf-life, pigments last longer than dyes.

Selecting the right colours

Colour selection for cosmetics depends on various factors as given below:

• Be it natural light or sunlight, the source of light where the colour will be viewed makes a lot of difference in the way it will be seen.
• Certain ingredients are restricted in specific type of cosmetics such as eye pencil, lipstick etc.
• Who sees it or what medium views the final colour can also give different results as the colour is perceived differently by human eyes and by an external object such as a camera or others.
• Accuracy in shade values ensures consistency in cosmetic colours.

Regulations for using cosmetic colours

Appropriate care is to be taken while preparing the colours for cosmetics. Any small error in mixing the ingredients or inclusion of incorrect amount of toxic substances can lead to undesirable consequences and even stringent legal actions. Manufacturers of natural cosmetic dyes in India face lesser challenges compared to ones making synthetic pigment colours.

The business of cosmetic dyes in India is growing as always with great demand for natural colours. Certified colour providers do the necessary testing and follow industry standards to meet the demands of the cosmetic colour requirements of personal care product manufacturers.

So, add more glamour to the cosmetics industry with vibrant cosmetic colours.

Do you have any interesting new shades in mind? What kind of cosmetic colours would you prefer?