Pearlescent pigments
The main component of many of pearlescent pigments are natural mineral mica, coated with titanium dioxide, iron oxide, or two oxides having different refractive indices. Pearlescent pigments combine well with all types of organic dyes, soluble in water or oil.
Pearlescent pigments in combination with conventional pigments determine the color, appearance and gloss of cosmetic products. A variety of pearlescent pigments that contributes to the creation of a set of color effects brilliant and expressive colors.
The sharing of the interference colors and absorbent dye gives the effect of two tones when the tone changes depending on the angle of view, for example, pink nail Polish with purple glitter. The products obtained in this way, especially effectively looks in transparent packaging.
The pearlescent pigments can give the product a silver, gold, metallic, or "iridescent" luster. It depends on the size of the particles and their concentration in pearlescent pigments. Use shampoos are pearlescent pigments based on mica creates a rainbow effect, unattainable when using stearaty. Small particles create a silky satin effect and set the opacity to mass. Larger particles create a high gloss, sparkling or sparkling effect. The compositions of the obtained almost transparent. Pearlescent pigments are often included in a transparent mixture. The more transparent the composition, the better the effect is less than the required concentration. Opaque compositions require more pigment, because it reduces the diffusion of light pearlescent sheen.

The main characteristics of pearlescent pigments

physiologically safe;
not soluble in water, diluted acids and alkalis;
non-combustible substances;
resistant up to 800°C;
resistant to UV;
perfectly combined with other pigments;
resistant to solvents;
easily mix with each other, giving unexpected effects sparkling type;
easily dispersed in all the systems with the nitrocellulose.
The principle of operation
The rays of light passing through the pearlescent pigment, are reflected from each layer is different and this creates a pearlescent sheen. The reflected light usually changes from silvery white through Golden to copper, red, purple, blue and green.
Pearlescent pigments absorption, copying natural "pearl" and "pearl", formed from thin layers of limestone, absorbing light, and surface layer protein, which actually occurs interference of incident and reflected light rays. Supplements such pigments do not change the main color of the product, but create a change in the intensity of the rays at the slightest movement of the eye; the human brain sees it as a "pearl" effect. The interference pigments can create the effect of two tones, which goes from weak to strong. Such pigments are transparent scales, the linear dimensions which is much larger than the wavelength of light, and the thickness varies in the range 70-150 nm. Due to the interference of rays reflected by upper and lower surfaces of the flakes, they are intensely colored. At a thickness of 70-80 nm scales prevailing color is yellow, when the thickness of 90-100 nm red, and when 110-130 nm blue. Naturally, these colors change when you change the angles of incidence and observation of light.
The most pure "rainbow" interference colors obtained with special pigments, which are small balls covered with a thin film in which actually occurs the phenomenon of interference. In that the coating color does not depend on the orientation of pigment particles, and is determined only by the location of the observer relative to the painted surface.

Functional pigments and fillers
Functional pigments and fillers, as a rule, do not affect the product color, but give him some additional properties.
These pigments are often created by the technology of pearlescent pigments and have a special treatment for any particular application.

There are functional fillers and pigments based on mica, coated with a colloidal titanium dioxide, and pigments consisting of particles of pure silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide, having a perfect spherical shape.
The main properties of the functional pigments — influence characteristics of the composition to which they belong. For example, prevention of caking, eliminate oily Shine, improved binding properties, light distribution and other Functional pigments and fillers can be combined with coloring and pearlescent pigments.

The basic properties of the functional pigments and fillers

- create smooth texture of the product;
- prevent caking and clumping of the particles;
- improvement of binding properties;
- use as filler;
- reducing the look of oily skin;
- the reflection/diffusion of light;
- improvement opacity/hiding power of the cosmetic products.
Some functional pigments create a white slightly matte effect. They can be used to reduce the concentration of the more expensive mother-of-pearl pigments. Particles of silicon dioxide act as ball bearings allowing mica platelets to slide across each other. The result is an improvement of the binding properties of the composition and pleasant sensations of the skin (other than "velvet" slide, very gentle on the skin). Liquid eyeliners containing functional pigments with improved rheological properties and functional characteristics.
By adding to the emulsion and functional filler can be avoided in a large number of thickeners or waxes that are commonly used to increase viscosity. Adding powder fillers can also reduce the drying time of liquid eyeliner.
Another advantage of functional pigments and fillers is a rich thick consistency of the product without the sticky and oily effect. As the balls of silicon dioxide have small pores, they can absorb oil. Functional pigments are also used as matting substances, which is an advantage for anhydrous formulations. Such functional fillers are easily dispersed in cosmetic formulations, both oil and water-based, you can add them in powder products, for example, into powder. Due to the unique dispersion property of light skin instantly becomes smoother and more natural. Functional fillers have high light fastness and heat resistance, are mechanically stable and stable at various pH levels. Functional fillers particularly recommended for use in day creams, eye creams, hand creams, Foundation creams and powders. Concentrations vary from 3 to 10% in emulsions up to 20% in the loose and compact powders.

Practical and functional use of pearlescent pigments and fillers
Hygienic cosmetics: creams, lotions, balms, gels, paste, liquid soap, means on care of hair means on care of a body, means on care of nails.
Decorative cosmetics: lipstick, eye shadow; blush; Foundation creams, face powder (loose, compact), mascara, eyeliner, pencils for lips and for eyes, lip gloss, nail polishes, products for/after sun, etc.