Guidance on Formulating Cushion Foundation

Guidance on Formulating Cushion Foundation

Cushion Foundation is a popular type of liquid foundation that contains pigments, nourishing ingredients, and other components, typically absorbed into a sponge for easy portability and application.

Developing a Cushion Foundation formula is more complex than simply blending powders, as it requires considering various factors such as product stability (preventing separation), pigment dispersion, absorption into the sponge, skin adherence, coverage, oil control, sun protection, and skin feel during use.

Key Components in Cushion Foundation

Based on available finished Cushion products, common ingredients found in formulations include:

• Base: Often uses Water as the primary component, along with Silicones such as Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, which help the product spread easily, feel lightweight, and create a film on the skin.
• Pigments: Primarily use Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides (Yellow, Red, Black) for color and coverage. These pigments can be adjusted to fine-tune the shade.
• UV Filters: Such as Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, and Titanium Dioxide to provide SPF/PA protection.
• Humectants & Emollients: Such as Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Squalane, which help keep the skin moisturized and the product easy to spread.
• Thickeners & Stabilizers: Help stabilize the emulsion and adjust viscosity, preventing separation. Examples include PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite.
• Film Formers: Help the foundation adhere to the skin for longer wear, such as Trimethylsiloxysilicate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer.
• Skin Conditioning Agents: Such as Niacinamide, Adenosine, or other extracts to add special properties to the product.
• Preservatives: To prevent microbial growth, such as Phenoxyethanol.
• Fragrance: To add scent (if desired).

Initial Recommendations

Starting to develop a Cushion Foundation formula can be done by using existing pre-made Cushion bases, such as the JSM Cushion or Light Natural Coverage Cushion product lines, as a starting point. You can then make further adjustments, such as:

1. Adjusting the Shade: By adding Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides in appropriate ratios.
2. Adding Nourishing Ingredients: Incorporate desired extracts or active ingredients, considering compatibility with the base formula and stability.
3. Adding Fragrance: If desired, fragrance can be added in small amounts (recommended not exceeding 0.5%) and mixed thoroughly.

Cosmetic formulation requires continuous experimentation and refinement to achieve the desired texture, performance, and stability. It also involves testing the compatibility of different ingredients and the stability of the finished product.