Invisible loose setting powder launched by Ariel Laboratories

The light-reflecting powder is made up of 80 per cent clear minute silica spheres, according to Ariel Laboratories, and is formulated without talc, oil or parabens.

“Previously, this type of product was typically made up of talc and iron oxides or mica and iron oxides, which are platelet in form (flat particles) and completely opaque,”​ Peter Bohm, the CEO of Ariel Laboratories, told CosmeticsDesign.com USA.

Made from silica spheres​

According to Bohm, the minute silica spheres are perfectly clear if looked at individually under a microscope, and appear as a white powder when presented together. The powder then becomes invisible when applied to the skin.

“The powder becomes invisible when spread onto the skin, giving a soft finish, minimizing fine wrinkles and adding a semi-matte luminous appearance to the skin surface,”​ he said.

The manufacturing process for the invisible powder was essentially the same as for traditional powders, said Bohm, although as the spheres are very delicate, more precautions had to be taken to ensure they remained intact and that clarity was not affected.

Solution to ‘one-size-fits-all’ problem​

Bohm said that the idea behind the product is that it can be used for many different skin tones, eliminating the need for consumers to test different product shades, as up until now there has not been a ‘one-size-fits-all’ product available.

Ariel Laboratories had looked at creating an invisible loose powder in the past, and was approached by a leading beauty brand to further develop the product and make improvements to the formulation.

The same brand is now selling the finished product, said Bohm, highlighting that as the formula was developed on a non-exclusive basis, it is available to other companies who wish to tap into its potential.

Ariel Laboratories set to announce new mascara formulas​

Ariel Laboratories most recently developed a skin care product line containing glycolic acid that targets skin aging, acne-prone skin and hyper-pigmentation conditions.

Bohm said that the New Jersey-headquartered company will soon be unveiling its latest product developments, which concern new mascara formulas and matching liquid eyeliners.