Ultramarine Blues: The Protection of Pigments

Lately, videos on Youtube have vented concern concerning the safe use of pigments in cosmetics. When things get messed up like this, it's always recommended that people go to the "source," the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the regulatory authority of cosmetics in the USA. While this post attempts to respond to some of the questions raised on Youtube, manufacturers & suppliers of ultramarine oxides facilitate interested parties to reach the FDA instantly if they are chaotic or concerned.

Safety Of Ultramarine Blue Oxides

• One pigment that individuals have been expressing their concern over is Ultramarine Blue, a pigment approved by the FDA for cosmetics such as eye shadows but not in lip products in the USA. 

• The use of ultramarine blue oxide in cosmetics is artificial, having been manufactured in the laboratory specifically for usage in cosmetics. Natural ultramarine oxides are not appropriated in cosmetics, as the FDA only permits synthetic ultramarines.

• While cosmetic (artificial) ultramarine blue oxides may appear the same as paint-grade ultramarine blues when compared side-by-side, it is not an identical product. Cosmetic grade pigments are processed to adhere to FDA standards and criteria regarding safety. Industrial grade pigments are not mandated to test to this grade of security.

• Since ultramarines are refined or treated employing sulfur, they can hold an odor (like a rotten egg would smell). The power of this odor is conditional on the pH of the product (soap or cosmetics). For instance, bringing ultramarine blue below six on the pH scale (toward acid) produces nasty sulfur fumes.

• Manufacturers and suppliers of ultramarine oxides do not deal in finished cosmetics. Though, they sell raw materials that are appropriated to formulate cosmetics or soaps. 

• Ultramarine manufacturers and suppliers do not suggest individuals apply ultramarine blue straight on their eyes as an eye shadow, not because it is hazardous, but just because it would not make for a helpful cosmetic. It would be draggy, maybe too intense, staining, and not sticking to a long time.

• There is no specific FDA restriction concerning applying ultramarine oxide directly on the eyelid without any ingredients or texturizer. The usefulness of ultramarine blue is confined to "amounts uniform with a good manufacturing practice." This would permit ultramarine to be utilized at 100% if someone liked to do that for some reason.

• Pigments never dissolve in water; they only disperse into it. However, cosmetic pigments are usually adequate to notice the color of the water, so they may make you believe they are dissolving into it. If you mix ultramarine blue oxide in the water, it may seem to be dissolving, but if you leave it overnight, you will witness that the pigment sinks to the base the way "sand in water bodies," and the water is considerably less colored.

The Takeaways!

Hope all your confusions are now over. Ultramarines & Oxides are also excellent for cold coloring processes or melt & pour soaps. Unlike FD&C Dyes, Ultramarines & Oxides won't bleed in cosmetics (eye shadows) or between layers of glycerin soap. Ultramarines & Oxides can furnish bold color for swirls & layers in cold process soap.