Merck KGaA announced recently that it is launching two new synthetic effect pigments, Xirona Moonlight Sparks and Timiron Ice Crystal. Inspired by the magical colours of the moon, the new effect pigment Xirona Moonlight Sparks combines two refined technologies: brilliant shine and expressive colour travel from gold to silver that impart a noble character to cosmetics formulations.
From a straight viewing angle, Xirona Moonlight Sparks radiates in an intense, lively gold; the shift to an oblique perspective reveals the sophisticated colour travel effect to an elegant, subtle silver. The brilliant shine is achieved with fine aluminum borosilicate flakes that have a special metal oxide coating. Thanks to its excellent transparency, Xirona Moonlight Sparks offers unlimited flexibility for the colour styling of cosmetic products. The pigment highlights formulations without changing the basic colour. In addition, Xirona Moonlight Sparks has superb skin adhesion properties. Cosmetics formulations that claim a perfect and long-lasting colour effect can therefore also benefit from the mystic glimmer effects of moonlight. With Timiron Ice Crystal, Merck is presenting a new crystal-like effect based on another innovative cosmetic technology. The effect pigment stands out because of its high intensity, silver-white shimmer and dramatic, mirror-like sheen. Timiron Ice Crystal is based on synthetic fluorophlogopite with a titanium oxide coating. In addition, the carefully designed particle shape ensures optimum skin feel. Timiron Ice Crystal is suited for a multitude of cosmetics formulations – from personal care to colour cosmetics. It can be easily mixed with other effect pigments, creating a broad spectrum of fascinating colour effects. Even in opaque applications, the brilliant sparkle of the pigment is shown to advantage with surprisingly high intensity.
