Cosmetic Mica Pigment KT-699141 Dark Blue Synthetic Mica Pearl

KT-699141 belongs to Kolortek's 699000 Cosmetic Pearl Multicolor Series — a line produced by directly depositing light-absorbing materials onto a synthetic mica powder substrate. This deposition process gives the pigment its characteristic angular behavior: silver reflectance at direct angles, with the deep blue absorption color emerging clearly at oblique or dispersion angles.

The result is a pigment that reads differently depending on how light hits the surface — a quality that formulators find particularly useful in eye area products where dynamic color play matters. The TiO₂/SnO₂ barrier layer stabilizes the iron blue (Ferric ferrocyanide) colorant, maintaining hue integrity under typical cosmetic processing conditions.

Product Specifications

Optical Behavior & Key Characteristics

The angular-dependent optical behavior of KT-699141 is worth understanding before formulation. At the specular reflection angle, the pigment returns a bright silver flash — characteristic of the TiO₂ interference layer on the synthetic mica platelet. As the viewing angle shifts, the Ferric ferrocyanide colorant takes over, rendering a saturated dark blue. This dual-channel effect is what distinguishes interference-coated synthetic mica from straightforward dyed substrates.

In practice, synthetic mica offers a cleaner, more colorless base than natural muscovite mica. This matters for dark hues — especially blue and violet — where any yellowish cast from the substrate can muddy the final color. The synthetic base also reduces variability in platelet morphology, which translates to more predictable optical output across production batches.

Worth noting: the 10–60 μm particle size distribution places KT-699141 in a versatile mid-range. Finer cuts give softer shimmer with more blendability; the coarser fraction within this range adds spark and perceptible glitter. Depending on your application, milling down or sieving up may be worth evaluating.

Applications

KT-699141 is specifically qualified for cosmetic end uses. Primary applications include:

• Eye area products — eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras (where Ferric ferrocyanide is permitted and commonly used)
• Face powders & pressed compacts — the mid-range particle size disperses well in talc-based or pressed binder systems
• Foundations & blushers — the fine platelet geometry integrates without visible graininess at standard loading levels
• Loose powder formulations — flows freely and blends with typical carrier powders without significant agglomeration

The pigment is not intended for food, pharmaceutical, or industrial coating applications. If you're evaluating it for lip products, verify Ferric ferrocyanide regulatory status for lip-use in your target market — approval varies by region.

Formulation Considerations

Dispersion is generally straightforward in both anhydrous and aqueous cosmetic systems. For pressed powder applications, geometric mean loading of 2–8% typically delivers adequate visual impact without compromising pressed cake integrity. In cream or liquid bases, pre-dispersing in a compatible emollient before adding to the batch reduces clumping.

Avoid prolonged high-shear mixing — it can mechanically fracture the platelets, reducing particle size and degrading the optical effect. Low-shear dispersion methods (paddle, anchor blade, or hand-mixing for small batches) are preferred for maintaining the platelet aspect ratio that drives pearl performance.

That said, Ferric ferrocyanide has known sensitivity to strong alkali. If your formulation system involves a high-pH environment, test color stability proactively. The SnO₂ barrier layer in KT-699141 provides some protection, but highly alkaline conditions should be validated against your specific formula.

KT-699141 vs. Natural Mica Blue Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is KT-699141 approved for use in eye area cosmetics?
The pigment contains Ferric ferrocyanide (CI 77510), which is approved for eye area use in many markets including the EU and US. That said, regulatory status should always be verified against the specific market you're targeting. Technical documentation including TDS, COA, and MSDS is available on request to support your regulatory submissions.

Q: What distinguishes this from other blue pearlescent pigments in the 699000 series?
KT-699141 specifically uses Ferric ferrocyanide as the colorant, giving it a deep, saturated blue tone with a strong angular shift. Other blue entries in the series may use different colorant systems (e.g., ultramarine or interference-only approaches), which produce a different hue character and angular behavior. The KT-699141 is particularly suited where a dense, chromatic blue with visible pearl depth is the target.

Q: Can this pearl pigment powder be used in wet formulations like mascaras or liquid eyeliners?
Yes. In practice, KT-699141 performs in aqueous and film-former-based liquid systems. Dispersion stability depends on your film-former and surfactant system. Pre-wetting in a glycol or compatible humectant before dispersion into the aqueous phase typically gives cleaner results. High-shear homogenization should be kept brief to avoid platelet breakage.

Q: What loading levels are typically effective in pressed eyeshadow?
In pressed powder formats, 5–15% by weight is a typical starting range for this type of synthetic mica-based pearl. Lower loads deliver a subtle wash of color and pearl; higher loads increase opacity and visual saturation. Binder compatibility and press hardness targets will influence the practical upper limit for your specific formula.

Request Samples or Technical Data

Sample requests, technical data sheets, and formulation support are available for qualified cosmetic formulators and procurement contacts. Reach out directly at contact@kolortek.com with your application details and target market — this helps ensure the right documentation and, where relevant, alternative grades are flagged for your evaluation.