Color Settling Issue in Lip Gloss Formulation

Settling of color in lip gloss, especially with lake pigments like D&C Red No.6 Lake, is a common issue. Lake pigments are solid particles that are dispersed, not dissolved, in the oil base. If the base is not viscous enough or the pigment is not properly dispersed and kept suspended, the particles will eventually settle due to gravity.

Here are some ways to address this issue:

• Improve Pigment Dispersion: Even though EasyMix™ colors are designed for easy dispersion, ensuring the pigment is thoroughly mixed into the oil phase is crucial. Make sure you are mixing vigorously enough, especially when the base starts to cool and thicken. While a homogenizer is ideal for perfect dispersion, thorough hand stirring or using a high-speed mixer might help improve the situation.
• Increase Base Viscosity: A more viscous lip gloss base will help keep the pigment particles suspended for longer. Review your formula and consider increasing the amount of gelling agents or waxes that contribute to viscosity without making the lip gloss too stiff.
• Consider a Pre-Dispersed Color: Products like ReadyMix™ D&C Red No.6 Lake (Oil Based) are pre-dispersed in an oil base, which can significantly improve the stability of the color dispersion and reduce settling compared to using the powder form directly.

By focusing on achieving better dispersion and potentially increasing the viscosity of your lip gloss base, you should be able to minimize or eliminate the color settling issue.