Common Colorants in Cosmetics

time：2025-05-06 click：

From vibrant eyeshadows to natural-looking lipsticks, colorants define cosmetic appeal. Here’s a breakdown of key types, their uses, and regulatory considerations.

Common Colors That Are Used in Cosmetic Packaging

1. Mineral Pigments

Inorganic, stable, and widely used for opacity and UV protection.

Pigment Type	Color	Common Applications
Iron Oxides	Red/Yellow/Brown	Foundation, blush
Titanium Dioxide	White	Sunscreen, whitening agents
Ultramarines	Blue/Pink	Eyeshadow, nail polish

Why They’re Popular: Non-reactive, long shelf life, and suitable for sensitive skin.

2. Organic Synthetic Dyes

Vibrant and FDA-approved for intense color payoff.

Dye Class	Example Colors	Stability Notes
FD&C Lakes	Bright blues, reds	Oil-soluble, lipstick-friendly
D&C Pigments	Oranges, purples	Common in nail products

Regulation Alert: Some dyes (e.g., certain reds) face regional restrictions.

3. Natural & Plant-Based Colorants

Clean-label demand drives innovation.

Source	Color	Key Challenge
Carmine (insect-derived)	Deep red	Vegan alternatives rising
Chlorophyll	Green	Fades in light
Anthocyanins (berries)	Pink/purple	pH-sensitive

Trend Watch: Fermented pigments (from bacteria/fungi) are gaining traction.

4. Pearlescent & Effect Pigments

Create shimmer, metallic, or duochrome finishes.

Type	Effect	Use Case
Mica	Soft glow	Highlighters
Bismuth Oxychloride	High shine	Eyeshadow
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite	Multichrome	Luxury palettes

Formulation Tip: Particle size affects sparkle intensity.

5. Regulatory Hotspots

Global compliance varies—critical for formulators.

Region	Key Regulation	Impact
EU	EC 1223/2009	Bans certain azo dyes
USA	FDA CFR Title 21	Requires batch certification
Asia (e.g., China)	CSAR	Stricter heavy metal limits