Cheat Sheet on Colorants - Ultramarines and Micas
----------------------------------------------------------
Ultramarines
Solubility: Insoluble
Color range: Very vibrant shades - blues, pinks and purples!
Oxidation/fading - No. Not prone to pH sensitivity or darkening/browning
Potency - Very potent. A little goes a LONG way!
Ultramarines are synthetically produced in a process similar to oxide production. They are somewhat less natural than oxides. While some ultramarines exist as naturally occurring compounds and some don't, the version that is used in cosmetics are produced in a laboratory to ensure purity. Ultramarines are useful in soaps and other cosmetic products.
Micas
Solubility: Insoluble
Color range: Any color you can imagine. (They are colored with FD&C dyes)
Oxidation/fading - No. Not prone to pH sensitivity or darkening/browning
Potency - Generally not super potent in terms of adding color, but do add a LOT of sparkle!!
Micas are very fine, sparkly powers that shimmer beautifully when they capture and reflect light. (Because of this, they work best when used in clear products - like clear M&P soap!)
Micas are available in pretty much any color you can imagine because they are colored with FD&C dyes. Because of the FD&C colorants, they aren't very natural and many micas can bleed in your product. (Reds seem to be especially prone to bleeding...)
Micas can be used in conjunction with oxides to help anchor the color and make it deeper
Please log in to leave a comment.