Special effect pigments are unique materials employed in cosmetic formulations for captivating colour appearance.
As a general format, specific pigment effects are dependent on the substrate material’s inherent properties. More complex materials such as those offering colour travel effect contain a layered matrix structure of materials which are responsible for varying colour within the same material. Substrates used within the cosmetic industry include mica, synthetic mica, and borosilicate and their respective properties will be discussed, particularly focusing on Moonshine® special effect pigments based on glassflake substrates and Kobopearl® perpetual pearlescent pigments relying on a synthetic fluorphlogopite substrate.
Pigments
Pigments are visually appealing colorant materials with dominance in the colour cosmetic industry. Pigments take on a characteristic colour by reflecting, scattering and absorbing various wavelengths of incident light. The light that is reflected off of a substance gives a high concentration colour appearance. Individual colours have their own unique wavelength and the human eye has the ability to discern only a fraction of the magnetic spectrum called visible light. Lower wavelengths encompass radio, microwave and infrared while higher frequencies include ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma rays. Additionally, the ultimate pigment appearance is dependent on the colour of the source light. Pigments have been used for thousands of years initially by way of naturally occurring materials for art and decorative uses. Now cutting edge technology has brought immense possibilities in creating novel synthetic materials which have a broad range of applications.
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