Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Color and makeup Boron Nitride as a filler

  • Boron Nitride as a filler

    Posted by Jblore on November 7, 2015 at 4:01 am

    I am in the process of formulating a variety of eyeshadows and I am wondering if I use boron nitride as a filler, will I still have to use a preservative as boron nitride is inert? If so what are some good preservative options for powder cosmetics.

    Thank you for your help!
    bobzchemist replied 8 years, 4 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • bobzchemist

    Member
    November 9, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    You will still need a preservative. You ALWAYS need a preservative. The inertness or non-inertness of the materials in any cosmetic, even a  powder cosmetic, is completely irrelevant - the preservative is needed to kill the mold and/or bacteria that are introduced to the cosmetic by consumer use.

    This is a formulation decision that is largely CYA - if a consumer believes that she has been harmed by your product, one of the first things that will happen is a micro test of the powder product. If they find any mold and/or bacteria, your company will be on the hook for a large legal settlement.
    This development is fairly recent - 20 or 30 years ago, preservatives weren’t used in inert/anhydrous cosmetics much, if at all. The preservative companies have been greatly helped by the plentiful consumer lawsuits.
  • Jblore

    Member
    November 17, 2015 at 5:14 am

    Thank you! You’ve been a great help.

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