Comparison of Silk Powders: Oil/Moisture Absorption and Pore Clogging
Question
The user wants to compare three types of "Silk" powders for use in setting BB cream:
- Silk Talc Powder
- Silk Mica Powder (Matte)
- Silk Sericite Powder (Matte)
They are interested in the following properties and want them ranked from least to most:
- Oil absorption
- Moisture absorption
- Pore clogging potential
The user prefers a powder that doesn't control oil excessively to avoid dryness.
Answer
Okay, I understand you're asking for a comparison of Silk Talc Powder, Silk Mica Powder (Matte), and Silk Sericite Powder (Matte) regarding their oil absorption, moisture absorption, and potential for clogging pores, and you want them ranked from least to most for each property. You also mentioned you prefer less oil control for setting BB cream to avoid dryness.
As 'cosmeceutical7' correctly pointed out, the exact performance, especially oil absorption capacity, can vary significantly depending on the specific grade and any modifications or treatments applied to the powders by the manufacturer. Without specific technical data sheets for the "Silk" grades you are interested in, providing precise, definitive rankings is challenging.
However, I can provide a general comparison based on the typical properties of cosmetic-grade Talc, Mica, and Sericite powders. Please keep in mind that these are general characteristics, and the specific products you are looking at might behave differently due to processing.
Here is a general comparison based on typical properties:
Oil Absorption (Least to Most):
- Generally, Mica tends to absorb less oil than Talc.
- Sericite, a type of Mica, also typically absorbs less oil than Talc, although some treated versions might have enhanced absorption.
- Talc is generally known for good oil absorption.
- General Ranking: Silk Mica Powder (Matte) < Silk Sericite Powder (Matte) < Silk Talc Powder
Moisture Absorption (Least to Most):
- Sericite is often surface-treated to be hydrophobic (repel water/moisture), which reduces moisture absorption.
- Mica generally absorbs less moisture than Talc.
- Talc tends to absorb both oil and moisture.
- General Ranking: Silk Sericite Powder (Matte) < Silk Mica Powder (Matte) < Silk Talc Powder
Pore Clogging Potential (Least to Most):
- Mica and Sericite are generally considered non-comedogenic (less likely to clog pores).
- Talc's potential for clogging pores is debated and can depend on particle size and purity. Some sources suggest it has a higher potential than Mica or Sericite, especially if not cosmetic grade or if particle size is large.
- General Ranking: Silk Mica Powder (Matte) / Silk Sericite Powder (Matte) < Silk Talc Powder
Based on these general properties, if you are looking for a powder to set BB cream without excessive oil control to avoid dryness, Silk Mica Powder (Matte) or Silk Sericite Powder (Matte) might be more suitable options than Silk Talc Powder, as they typically offer less oil absorption.
For the most accurate information regarding the specific "Silk" grades you are interested in, especially quantitative data like oil absorption capacity (ml/100g), it is best to request technical data sheets from the supplier or manufacturer.