What points must we take into account when chosing fluorescent pigments for lipsticks and nail varnish ?
Pigments used in cosmetic products must comply with extremely stringent conditions with regard to non toxicity. The number of pigments that meet these conditions is not very large. One should always obtain a certificate of approval from the appropriate health authorities of the country.
Information on the subjectis also available from the American Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ). In the case of fluorescent pigments it is especially the resin that must be non toxic. Guidance on these is to be found in the approved lists relating to lacquers used for the insides of cans used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The resins are usually high molecular weight, highly crosslinked and therefore almost insoluble, e.g. epoxy and phenolic resins, sometimes combined with
