COMPANY FOCUS
Innovative technology delivers pure pearlescent pigments with unrivalled effects Developed to impart a pearlescent or “shimmer” look to products, effect pigments are a staple formulation technology in cosmetics and personal care products. But what are they made from and how exactly do they achieve their visual impact? By Abby Vorster
A
ccording to CQV, a global leader in effect pigments for cosmetics applications, pearlescent pigments consist of laminar crystals with an aspect ratio unlike general pigments. The interference colours come from the refraction ratio difference between the laminar crystal and intervention material, providing effects such as iridescence and metallic gloss. CQV is the largest pearlescent pigment manufacturer in Korea, mainly producing pearlescent pigments based on natural and synthetic mica, borosilicate and alumina. Its sales network covers the globe, including South Africa where it is represented by CJP Chemicals. CQV’s products are widely used in cosmetics, skin care products and detergents for their high quality and special effects.
MIRINAE PEARLESCENT PIGMENTS Widely used in cosmetics applications, pearlescent pigments are coated with metal
10
AUGUST 2021 // WWW.PHARMACOS.CO.ZA
oxides using substrates such as natural mica, synthetic mica, borosilicate, or other platy materials. Mirinae utilises man-made platy alumina. This material imparts an extremely soft feel when used as an effect pearlescent pigment. It also provides unique appearance properties. To date, the use of man-made platy alumina in the cosmetics industry has been limited due to its high cost and relative lack of availability. Specific technology and highly
"CQV has succeeded in transferring its patented technology for industrial mass production of platetype alumina"
technical skills are needed to manufacture plate-type alumina for use in pearlescent pigments. As a result of years of creative R&D, CQV holds a patented formula for producing plate-type alumina. The company has spent a lot of time developing plate-type alumina because its structural difference is of considerable benefit to the intended effect of pearlescent pigments. Plate-type alumina is a single structure with a uniform thickness, whereas the bases commonly used in existing effect pigments are multi-layered structures with irregular thickness. As a uniform base refracts and reflects light in the same direction, it is more likely to maximise gloss and colour – giving pearlescent pigments their unique characteristics. To increase the availability of Mirinae pearlescent pigments, CQV has succeeded in transferring its patented technology for industrial mass production of plate-type alumina.
