SHIMMERING BETWEEN functional and sensory cosmetic ingredients is an expansive color pigment market.
Expanding applications, innovative effects, new formulation technology and stronger sales for color cosmetic products all have boosted global cosmetic pigments demand, especially within the high-performance and special effects category.
"New pigment applications and innovation are key drivers of growth in this segment," says Michael Birman, business manager for color cosmetics at Ciba. "Although the volumes of pigments used are small relative to other raw materials used in personal care, the value they add is important because color is integral to the visual appeal of many consumer products and can also help define brands." Overall growth for cosmetic pigments usually follows the color cosmetics market, which grew 4-7% to around $28bn worldwide last year, according to several producers. "What moves the market is these performance- type and specialty effects pigments," says Ray Will, SRIC senior consultant.