Black Spots on BB Cream Cushion Sponge
Question
I have a freshly mixed BB cream. When I apply it to a cushion sponge or a cotton pad, black spots appear. These black spots stain the cushion compact and the sponge. They look like mold, but the cream was just made.
However, when I apply the BB cream directly without using a sponge or cotton, no black spots appear.
I tested the same cushion sponge with another brand's BB cream, and no black spots formed, so the sponge is likely not the issue. It seems the problem is with my BB cream formulation.
Could you please explain what causes these black spots and advise on how to fix this problem?
Answer
Based on your description, where black spots appear only when your freshly mixed BB cream comes into contact with the cushion sponge or cotton pad, but not when the cream is on its own, and other BB creams don't cause this issue with the same sponge, it strongly suggests a chemical reaction is occurring between something in your specific BB cream formulation and the material of the sponge or cotton.
This type of discoloration, especially black spots, can often be caused by:
- Oxidation: Certain ingredients in your BB cream might be oxidizing when exposed to air trapped in the sponge or reacting with the material itself.
- Reaction with Metal Ions: Some pigments or fillers, particularly those containing iron oxides (common in BB creams for color), can react with trace metal ions that might be present in other ingredients, the water used, or even potentially leached from processing equipment or packaging. This reaction could be triggered or accelerated by contact with the sponge material.
- Incompatibility of Ingredients: There might be an incompatibility between specific ingredients in your formulation that only becomes apparent when the mixture is spread thinly and in contact with a porous material like a sponge or cotton, allowing for greater surface area contact and potential reaction.
Since the issue doesn't occur with other BB creams and seems specific to your formulation when applied to the sponge/cotton, the cause lies within your cream's composition.
To troubleshoot this, you might consider:
- Reviewing your ingredients: Look for any ingredients known to be prone to oxidation or reaction with metal ions.
- Checking your pigments: Ensure the stability and compatibility of the pigments used, especially iron oxides.
- Testing raw materials: If possible, try testing individual raw materials or smaller combinations of ingredients with the sponge/cotton to see if you can isolate which component is causing the reaction.
- Water quality: Ensure the water used in your formulation is free from contaminants, particularly metal ions.
Without knowing your exact formulation, it's difficult to pinpoint the precise cause. However, focusing on the potential for chemical reactions between your ingredients and the sponge/cotton material is the most likely path to identifying and resolving the issue.