Adjusting Lip Balm Color Intensity

Your current formula uses mica at 7.5% for color. Mica typically provides shimmer and a more translucent color payoff compared to pigments or lake colorants. To get a more vivid color, you have two main options:

Option 1: Increase Mica Concentration

The most straightforward approach is to increase the percentage of mica in your formula. You can gradually increase the amount of Mica Powder (such as the 9 Micron or 20 Micron Silane Coated types, or even a Red Pink Super Sparkle Mica for a specific shade) in small test batches until you reach the desired color intensity.

• Considerations: While increasing mica is simple, very high concentrations (e.g., above 10-15% depending on the mica type and desired look) can sometimes make the texture feel slightly powdery or less smooth.

Option 2: Incorporate Stronger Colorants

For a significantly more intense and opaque color, consider using cosmetic-grade pigments or lake colorants. These provide much stronger color payoff at lower concentrations than mica.

• Pigments: Pigments like Fluorescent Magenta Pigment offer vibrant, opaque color.
• Lake Colorants: Lake colorants, such as FD&C Red No.40 Lake EasyMix™ or D&C Red No.34 Ca Lake, are oil-dispersible and commonly used in lip products for strong color. ReadyMix™ FD&C Yellow No.5 Lake (Oil Based) is another example of an oil-based lake colorant that is easy to disperse.

You could replace some or all of the mica with a smaller percentage of a pigment or lake colorant, or use a combination of mica for shimmer and a pigment/lake for intensity.

Adjusting the Base (If Needed)

If increasing the colorant significantly alters the texture of your lip balm (e.g., makes it too hard or too soft), you might need to slightly adjust the percentages of your base ingredients like Natural Oil, Microcrystalline Wax (such as the Medium Melting Point type), Shea Butter (Refined, Deodorised), or Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (White, Deodorized, Soft) to restore the desired consistency and moisturizing feel. However, try adjusting the colorant first before making major changes to the base.

In summary, focus on increasing the colorant. Start by increasing the mica, and if you need even stronger color, explore using pigments or lake colorants.