VISIONAIRE metallic pigments –

formulation remarks, physical properties and global

regulations

1. VISIONAIRE aluminum pigments

Formulation remarks

 VISIONAIRE aluminum pigments can cause spontaneous or delayed formation of hydrogen

gas in contact with any water containing or water based formulations. Therefore VISIONAIRE
aluminum pigments should only be used in anhydrous systems.

o VISIONAIRE Silver Sea

o VISIONAIRE Bright Silver Sea
o VISIONAIRE Sparkling Silver Sea
o VISIONAIRE Bright Champagne
o VISIONAIRE Bright Red 7
o VISIONAIRE Bright Red 34

 Generally the addition of antioxidants is recommended especially when vegetable oils are
used.
 VISIONAIRE Bright Red 34 is only recommended in for nail polish in general.
 VISIONAIRE metallic pigments have a significantly lower oil absorption and are much easier
to compact than pearlescent pigments.
 VISIONAIRE metallic effect pigments impart a highly luxurious sensory aspect, their unique
cold metallic feel and easy gliding properties are inimitable in the field of cosmetic raw
materials.

Physical properties

 VISIONAIRE aluminum pigments can be heated up to < 160°C.

 VISIONAIRE Bright Red 7 and VISIONAIRE Bright Red 34 should be kept < 100°C.
 VISIONAIRE aluminum pigments are not sensitive to light exposure (exception 
VISIONAIRE Bright Red 7 and VISIONIARE Bright Red 34 have a lower light stability than
other metallic effect pigments)

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 2. VISIONAIRE bronze and copper pigments

Formulation remarks

 Though VISIONAIRE pigments are corrosion-protected by a dense silica coating on the

surface of the metallic flakes, potential discoloration in case of bronze and copper based
pigments (release of copper and zinc cations) could appear in water based formulations.
Therefore VISIONAIRE bronze and copper pigments should not be used in water containing
formulations without extended testing.
 VISIONAIRE bronze and copper pigments are not stable in nitrocellulose systems (nail
polishes). The release of copper and zinc cations leads to discoloration and gelation. As an
alternative, SILVERDREAM Bright Sunlight, SILVERDREAM Bright Sunrise or
SILVERDREAM Bright Sunset can be used.
 It is recommended to use VISIONAIRE bronze and copper pigments in water-free or silicone
based systems (to avoid pigment oxidation).
 Generally the addition of antioxidants is recommended especially when vegetable oils are
present in the formulation.

o VISIONAIRE Natural Gold / Bright Natural Gold

o VISIONAIRE Sunflower Gold / Bright Sunflower Gold
o VISIONAIRE Honey / Bright Honey
o VISIONAIRE Cinnamon / Bright Cinnamon
o VISIONAIRE Lava / Bright Lava
o VISIONAIRE Olive Gold
o VISIONAIRE Maize Gold
o VISIONAIRE Amber

Physical properties

 VISIONAIRE bronze and copper pigments should be kept < 100°C.

 VISIONAIRE bronze and copper pigments are not sensitive to light exposure

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 3. Global regulations of VISIONAIRE metallic pigments
 No limitations for aluminum and bronze/copper pigments in Europe and Japan.
 Aluminum pigments are not permitted for use in lip/oral applications in USA.
 VISIONAIRE Sparkling Silver Sea is restricted in use in the USA due to particle size
restrictions.
 VISIONAIRE Bright Red 7 is not permitted for eyes/lips/face in USA due to presence of Red 7.

Aluminum / Bronze & Copper

US EU Japan
Skin yes / yes yes / yes yes / yes
Eye area yes / yes yes / yes yes / yes
Lip, Oral no* / yes yes / yes yes / yes

*not allowed in the US, Mexico, Thailand and Sri Lanka

This document does not constitute a legally binding obligation of Eckart. While the information
contained herein and our technical advice – whether verbal, in writing or by way of trials – are given in
good faith, it is provided for your guidance only. We recommend testing our products as to their
suitability for your envisaged purpose prior to use. Furthermore, you are responsible for observing all
laws and regulations relevant to any products mentioned herein and the products' application. No
warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose, are made regarding any products mentioned herein and data or information set
forth, or that such products, data or information may be used without infringing intellectual property
rights of third parties.

For further questions, please ask your ECKART contact:

ECKART GmbH ECKART America Corp. ECKART Asia Limited

E-mail: info.eckart@altana.com E-mail: info.eckart.cosmetics@altana.com E-mail: info.eckart.asia@altana.com
www.eckart.net