Calcium Sodium Borosilicate is a glass consisting essentially of calcium and sodium borosilicates. It is a bulking agent and belongs to the family of compounds called borosilicate glasses. It is a fine, white odorless powder made up of smooth glass flakes. In order to add sparkle and color to makeup, borosilicate compounds are used. In addition to having sparkling qualities, borosilicates work well as thickeners to create the desired consistency.
What is CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE used for?
Calcium sodium borosilicate serves as a bulking agent to provide structure to cosmetic products. Additionally, it gives the cosmetic and personal care products some glitz and color. It is primarily utilized in nail polish and makeup products. The two borosilicates, calcium sodium borosilicate and calcium aluminum borosilicate, are good bulking agents that help products have the desired consistency in addition to their shimmering properties.
Data on ingredient usage provided by industry to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) and a survey conducted by the Personal Care Products Council (Council) found Calcium sodium borosilicate to be used in leave-on cosmetic products at a concentration of 0.0001-97% and in rinse-off cosmetic products at a concentration of 0.05-11%.
Origin
Silica sand, soda ash, alumina, and boric oxide are combined and melted to produce borosilicate glass. Borosilicate powder is prepared by the rotary method where a glass flake is produced by melting a batch of raw material by electricity in a furnace. Once molten, the glass is poured into a spinning cup. Centrifugal force causes the glass to leave the cup as a thin film. This film is broken into flakes. These flakes are then collected downstream. Borosilicate glasses may also be prepared by the wet-chemical method or the sol-gel method.
Safety profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated the safety of Calcium Sodium Borosilicate. After analyzing the available scientific evidence, the CIR Expert Panel came to the conclusion that it was safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. According to the general guidelines of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, calcium sodium borosilicate may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe. It has a score of 2 on the Environmental Working Group (EWG’s) skin-deep scale, indicating a low potential for cancer, allergies, immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and use restrictions.