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.

Organic or Inorganic Pigments Which One to Use

The pigment colors happen to be surrounding us in a big way. Almost every single day, we use something that has the pigment colors in it. Even the color cosmetics that we use have got these pigments in them.

Well, why not? After all, the cosmetic manufacturers rely on these pigments to provide the clients and customers with the best of the cosmetic options, right?

Which Is The Better One?

So, there is no doubt about the fact that we use many objects that have the cosmetic dyes or the cosmetic pigments on them.

There is a reason why we use it so much, though. It is because the pigment manufacturers in India are delivering this content with an enthusiasm like never before. When it comes to cosmetics, India is certainly not left behind in the race. However, when it comes to deciding between the organic and the inorganic pigments, it can be a tough deal. Let’s sort that out first.

1. Inorganic Pigments: Weighing Out The Pros And Cons

There are many positive properties present in the inorganic pigments for those who need it. You know what that means right? It means that it is one of the best options for those who want to have better and quality results. When mixed up with polymers, these pigments get more resistance to open air and heat as well. Apart from that, one other great quality that we think makes inorganic pigments a great choice is a price. From an economic point of view, the inorganic pigments are a really smart choice as well. What else do you need? Also, they are more accessible and easy to use.

However, despite all the benefits, there are some negatives here as well. These pigments that are inorganic have a very short life. Many people consider the inorganic pigments for the tonality. But that is only possible when these are mixed up with the organic dyes. When you sober up from this revelation, there is another huge problem in the inorganic pigments. It is the lead salts that are present in their composition.

2. Organic Pigments: Weighing Out The Pros And Cons

The cosmetic manufacturers in India make use of the organic pigments as well. However, we cannot really decide which one is the best unless we know about the pros and cons of both of them. Well, organic pigments are also not free from their own list of pros and cons. There are many different varieties of organic pigments. Some of them generally tend to resist the light and heat. Also, there is no presence of the heavy metals so that doesn’t endanger the environment as well. So, why wouldn’t anyone choose the organic pigments, right? Well, wait till you hear out the cons of the pigments.

When compared to the inorganic ones, the advantage of organic pigments still remains that it doesn’t harm the environment like the former. It is a surprise that the organic pigment colors have not yet gotten the much-needed recognition in most of the products. If the disadvantages are to be counted, the different varieties of organic cosmetics have different ones.

It really depends on the manufacturer and the client on which type of cosmetic pigment to use.

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?