Choosing Non-Staining Colorants for Intense Kaolin Cream Masks

For a cream mask containing Kaolin that requires a very intense color without staining the skin, it is highly recommended to use Pigment types, specifically Iron Oxides.

Why use Iron Oxides?

1. Insoluble (Non-staining): Pigments do not dissolve in water or oil; they disperse within the formula. This means the color particles sit on the surface of the skin and can be easily washed off with water or cleanser, unlike Dyes which can penetrate or bind to the skin (staining).
2. Intense and Opaque: They provide excellent coverage and deep coloration, perfect for masks.
3. Safety: They are standard, safe ingredients for cosmetic products, including those with prolonged skin contact like masks.

Recommended Types for Cream Masks:

To ensure easy mixing and uniform dispersion in a cream base, the following surface-treated or pre-dispersed options are recommended:

1. EasyMix™ Series (Powder): These are powders coated to disperse easily with simple stirring, eliminating the need for high-shear mixing (Homogenizer).

   • Black Iron Oxides EasyMix™: For a deep black mask.
   • Red Iron Oxides EasyMix™: For deep red or brown tones.
   • Yellow Iron Oxides EasyMix™: For adjusting shades.

2. ReadyMix™ Series (Liquid): These are pre-dispersed in an oil base, making them the easiest to incorporate into the oil phase of your cream or at the final step.

   • ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black (Isononyl Isononanoate Based): Provides a light, blendable texture.
   • ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black (Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate Based): Suitable for more moisturizing formulas.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid Water Soluble Dyes: Do not use water-soluble dyes (like FD&C colors) if you want an intense color. At high concentrations, these are very likely to stain the skin or get trapped in pores.
• Usage Rate: For intense colors, you can use Iron Oxides at 1-20% depending on the desired shade. Since your mask contains Kaolin (which is white), you may need a higher percentage of pigment to achieve a very dark color.