November 8th, 2020

Alternatives to microplastics in color cosmetics

Following the previously article published on the subject of plastics and how to avoid them(Click here), in this article we are going to dive in more to this subject and look at the plastics alternatives for color cosmetics application.

Two major category of products that are prevalent are feeling agents that are sourced from different type of natural starches and the second, silica powders that have similar characteristics to microplastics, namely Nylons and PMMA which are widely used in cosmetics and have harmful effects not only on marine life but also on the health and safety of the users. The use of microplastics are widespread in powder cosmetics where, the products must be smooth and easily applied to the skin. Micronized polythene, polystyrene and nylon microspheres impart a smooth feeling and sebum absorbing properties to powders, due to their spherical shape. Typical usage would be quite high in the formulations and between 5-10%. They are also used in lipsticks, foundations, and other color products in high levels.

The environmental impact of plastics in numerous consumer goods can no longer be neglected due to obvious damages to the world’s ecosystems. There are many sources of plastic ending up in the waters and hence in our food chain and cosmetics and personal products are among the biggest contributors of this pollution caused by plastics. Several countries answer to this problem by banning plastic microbeads in cosmetics and It is an urgent need to find an available performing ingredient able to replace plastic microbeads in a sustainable way.

Starch based technologies are one of the sustainable options, but the challenge was that the feel and texture was not quite stable due to the hydrophilic nature of starches. It is no longer a challenge as there is now a unique and patented corn starch-based alternative is available. CELUS BI FEEL has a pleasant texture and enhances the sensorial characteristics of the formulations by improving the film-forming and smoothness. Thanks to its spheroidal physical structure, it helps compactness, oils absorption with a consequent matte effect and overall formula gliding effect. The additional benefits to the formula, soft-focus effect, sebum control, carrying activities for active ingredients, fragrances and UV filters complete the ingredient performance profile and makes it the best alternative to Nylons in color cosmetics. The formulators would have the option of using it as the one on one replacement to nylons which makes the reformulation process hassle-free. This unique texturizer is readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 method and has no harm to the marine life and the safety of consumers and has excellent stability and compatibility in formulations. The various sizes offered makes it a perfect choice to synthetic ingredients replace not only Nylon but also PMMA, Polyurethane and Polyethylene. Its perfect balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic behavior, make Celus-Bi® Feel the ideal ingredient useful for both oil and water phase in a variety of applications.

Silica powders are another category which is of interest to formulators as potential alternative to plastic powders for colors cosmetics application. We are pleased to offer a wide range of Silica powders from with different sizes and oil absorptions to contribute to product’s ball bearing and soft-focus properties. Due to its free-roll-over properties they provide luxurious feel, excellent tactile experience, and exceptional lubricity to loose and pressed powder products. As unique alternatives to PMMA, we provide a microsphere silica treated with natural coating agents that has a similar oil absorption, particle size and hydrophobicity to both standard and porous types of PMMA.

Should you be interested to know more about these options, let us know to have a full presentation of the novel solutions we have for you. To do so, please click here.