Preventing Mica Gold Glitter from Settling in Serum

Asked by: dreamz.villas On: January 30, 2019 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Hello,

I would like to ask how to prevent Mica gold glitter (Size C) from settling at the bottom of the bottle when mixed into a serum. It seems like after mixing and leaving it overnight, it settles again.

Could you please provide some advice?

Thank you.

Answer

How to Prevent Mica Gold Glitter (Size C) from Settling in Serum

To prevent Mica gold glitter (Size C) from settling at the bottom of your serum, you need to increase the viscosity of the serum base. Mica particles, especially larger ones like Size C, are heavier than the liquid and will naturally settle over time if the liquid is too thin.

Here are some ways to help suspend the glitter:

  • Use a Suspending Agent: Incorporate a suspending agent into your serum formulation. These ingredients are designed to create a gel-like network that holds particles in suspension. Examples include Carbomers, Xanthan Gum, or specialized suspending polymers.
  • Increase Viscosity: Thicken the serum base slightly. While you don't want a thick gel, increasing the viscosity just enough can help keep the mica particles dispersed longer. Be careful not to make it too thick, as this can affect the feel and absorption of the serum.
  • Proper Mixing: Ensure the mica is thoroughly dispersed during the mixing process. High-shear mixing can help initially, but maintaining suspension requires modifying the base.

Even with these methods, some settling may still occur over a long period, especially with larger glitter sizes. Gently shaking the product before use is often recommended for products containing suspended particles.

The products you are using, such as Gold Sparkle Mica (Size C, 100 Micron), Gold Sparkle Mica (Size C, 120 Micron), and Gold Sparkle Mica (Size C, 150 Micron), are designed to add sparkle, but their inherent weight requires formulation adjustments to remain suspended in a low-viscosity liquid like a typical serum.