Carbon Black Powder

Description

Chemical Composition and Properties

• Chemical Name: Carbon Black
• CI Number: 77266
• Chemical Formula: C
• Appearance: Fine black powder
• Source: Derived from the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products such as FCC tar, coal tar and others.

Uses in Cosmetics

CI 77266 is valued in the cosmetics industry for its intense black colour, stability, and safety when properly formulated. Here are some specific uses:

1. Eye Makeup:
   • Liquid Eyeliner: Provides a deep, intense black line that defines the eyes.
   • Mascara: Used to darken eyelashes, giving them a fuller and more dramatic appearance.
   • Eye Shadow: Adds depth and intensity, especially in smoky eye looks.
2. Nail Products:
   • Water-Based Nail Varnishes: Gives a rich black colour to nail polishes, allowing for bold and stylish nail designs.
3. Skin Products:
   • Used in some skin products in very low concentrations (not more than 0.001%) to ensure safety and avoid skin irritation.

Benefits

• Deepest Black Colour: CI 77266 provides the most intense black colour available, which is why it doesn’t require mixing with other substances to achieve a deep black hue.
• Stability: It is chemically stable and resistant to light, heat, and chemicals, making it ideal for long-lasting makeup products.
• Safety: When used in appropriate concentrations and properly formulated, it is safe for use in cosmetics.

Regulatory Status

• EU Regulations: In the European Union, it is approved for use in cosmetics, subject to certain restrictions and purity requirements.
• FDA Approval: In the United States, Carbon Black is approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics, provided it meets specific purity criteria.
• Other Regulations: Different countries may have varying regulations regarding the use of Carbon Black in cosmetics. It is essential for manufacturers to comply with local regulations.

Safety and Precautions

• Purity Standards: It must meet stringent purity standards to be considered safe for cosmetic use, free from harmful contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• Concentration Limits: The concentration of CI 77266 in cosmetic products, especially those applied to the skin, is strictly regulated to ensure consumer safety.
• Patch Testing: Consumers with sensitive skin are advised to perform a patch test before using products containing CI 77266 to check for any allergic reactions.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

• Petroleum-Based Origin: Although CI 77266 is derived from petroleum, which raises environmental and sustainability concerns, it remains a popular choice due to its unmatched black colour intensity.
• Sustainability: There are ongoing discussions about the environmental impact of Carbon Black production. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly methods of production.

Alternative Suggestions

• Black Oxide: As an alternative, we suggest mixing CI 77266 with Black Oxide for use in mascara. Black Oxide can provide a similar colour intensity while potentially offering a more environmentally friendly option.

By adhering to regulatory guidelines and ensuring high purity standards, CI 77266 continues to be a popular and effective colourant in the cosmetic industry, offering the deepest black colour for a wide range of beauty products. However, we acknowledge the environmental impact and are committed to providing our customers with alternatives and the best possible options for their beauty needs.

Solubility Characteristics

• Insoluble in Water: CI 77266 does not dissolve in water, which means it requires a dispersing agent or a medium that can hold the pigment in suspension for water-based formulations.
• Insoluble in Oil: Similarly, it does not dissolve in oils, necessitating the use of suitable dispersing agents or carriers in oil-based formulations.

Application in Cosmetics

• Dispersing Agents: To incorporate CI 77266 into cosmetic products, manufacturers use dispersing agents and techniques to ensure the pigment is evenly distributed within the product.
• Formulation Techniques: In products like mascaras, eyeliners, and nail varnishes, the pigment is suspended within the formulation rather than being dissolved, allowing for the creation of stable and effective cosmetic products with intense black colour.

This property of being insoluble is advantageous in many cosmetic applications as it ensures the pigment remains stable and provides consistent colour coverage.