Eckart goes natural with certified pigments

Pigment manufacturer Eckart has gained Ecocert certification in an attempt to tap into the growing trend for natural colour cosmetics.

The Germany-based company is positioning itself firmly in the natural makeup category by gaining certification for a selection of pearlescent pigments in its Prestige range.

Raw materials accepted by Ecocert

Approximately half of the Prestige range complies with Ecocert’s standards for ecological and organic cosmetics, Eckart’s technical service manager Katrin Steinbach told CosmeticsDesign.com.

Natural colour cosmetics is one of the major trends in the industry and by certifying its pigments Eckart is making it easier for customers to gain Ecocert certification for their finished products, she explained.

“We have had a very good response from clients to our certified pigments as this is such an important trend,” Steinbach said.

In addition, the company notes that due to the small particle size the pigment range can provide sheer coverage for a subtle effect. ‘Natural makeup for a natural look’, according to Steinbach.

Furthermore, a series of Earth Tone pigments of various copper, beige and red tones have also been certified. These are perfect for use in natural bronzing formulations, according to the company.

The Earth Tone pigments offer semi transparent coverage letting the natural skin tone shine through. The company believes this leads to a natural homogenous look.

Two forms of titanium dioxide

The Pearlescent range is based on titanium dioxide particles, a raw material accepted by Ecocert, however only half the range is certified.

This, Steinbach explains, is due to the different modifications of titanium dioxide that the company uses to provide different gloss effects.

Rutile titanium dioxide provides more gloss than its alternative form anatase, however differences in the manufacturing process mean that the rutile form remains uncertified at present.