Colorants in cosmetic applications

Abstract

Abstract The color cosmetic market, even though highly dependent on color, is driven by texture. Pigment and color innovation are predominantly taking place in the field of inorganic effect pigments, as colorants are regulated within the different cosmetic directives and toxicological profiles have to be established prior to use. Therefore, the formulation and the packaging are the relevant innovative factors. Nevertheless, color cosmetics are driven by fashion and trends. One of the main drivers for sales is social networks. They are image based and therefore the ideal platform to spread these trends, boosting sales of color cosmetics recently. Even though, color cosmetics seem to be very simple in composition, the development, production and quality control are far from that. In color cosmetics, all cosmetic disciplines cumulate: dispersion strategies, emulsion technologies, molding and extruding of sticks and pencil leads, mixing and compressing of powders, liquid inks and so on. And almost every discipline requires separate production vessels, resulting in a rather complex manufacturing process.