Decorative Cosmetics

Homogeneous color distribution and long-lasting consistency

Evonik’s silica solutions for decorative cosmetics formulations

  • Anti-settling
  • Free flow
  • Viscosity
  • Thermal stability
  • Matting agent
  • Optical blurring
  • Nature-identical ingredient

Decorative color cosmetics such as powder, blush, foundation, mascara, lipstick, or eye shadow need to fulfill the requirements of modern lifestyles. Consumers expect them to be easy to apply, provide an even color distribution, and feel light on the skin without greasy residue.

The range of decorative cosmetic formulations is huge – from powders to make-up, lipsticks to nail polishes, to name just a few. These very different formulations require system-related solutions. Evonik products meet all these requirements for multifunctional and versatile ingredients.

Silica is a versatile ingredient for processing raw materials, offering an array of product properties and convenient application. Most importantly for decorative cosmetics: Silica stabilizes color pigments in color cosmetic formulations and ensures that they are spread homogeneously. Hydrophobic AEROSIL® grades might even improve water and sweat resistance in make-up products. Special silica grades enable advanced cosmetics formulations such as dry water and powder-to-cream, which is ideal for concealer or blushes.

SPHERILEX® 10 PC precipitated hydrated silica offers additional benefits in several skincare and cosmetic products: its spherical shape improves the skin feel significantly und is a helpful ingredient in compacted powders as a process aid.

Silica for lipstick formulations

In lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, and powder-to-cream lip formulations, for example, AEROSIL® fumed silica improves the homogeneous distribution of pigments. It forms a three-dimensional network within the oil/wax base of lipstick formulations and prevents pigments from settling after the mixing process. At higher concentrations, it can be used to achieve a matting effect in lipsticks by reducing gloss. AEROSIL® also helps to achieve the desired viscosity. At the same time, AEROSIL® and SIPERNAT® increase the hardness and thermal stability of oil/wax formulations, preventing “sweating” and thermal distortion of lipsticks in summer temperatures.

Silica for nail polish

Consumers expect nail polish to offer color intensity with perfect coverage, but also convenient handling. Nail polish must neither run out of the bottle nor stick inside, it should be easy to apply without dripping, and it should dry quickly with a long-lasting appearance afterwards. Hydrophobic AEROSIL® fumed silica grades in nail polish formulations increase the viscosity of nail polish and achieve a homogeneous dispersion of color pigments. A three-dimensional AEROSIL® network that builds in the formulation incorporates pigments and stabilizes them against settling. Moreover, Evonik’s Silica portfolio enables nail polish manufacturers to create a matte finish by adding SPHERILEX® hydrophilic spherical precipitated silica.

Silica for mascara

AEROSIL® makes the mascara easy to spread on the lashes and helps to suspend pigments and increase formula body. Furthermore, it supports a long-lasting effect for exciting lashes all day long.

Silica for sustainable decorative cosmetics formulations

Silica is a multi-purpose raw material that has limited impact on the environment through its sourcing and production. As a naturally derived mineral ingredient complying with ISO 16128, silica is ideal for organic and natural cosmetic products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to microplastics. Hydrophilic grades also come with COSMOS certification. In addition, silica allows for vegan formulations.

AEROSIL®

SIPERNAT®

SPHERILEX®