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Cosmetic Powders

Cosmetic Powders

TRES BN Cosmetic Powders | Saint-Gobain Boron NitrideTRÈS BN® Cosmetic Powders

Achieving the perfect balance in how the final product affects our senses lasts, flows through a process and costs, is the formulators challenge.  TRÈS BN® powders are not only soft, but work in synergy with many other materials to achieve this balance.  Whether it's the shimmer of an eye shadow, the coverage in a foundation, or higher yield in your extrusion process, TRÈS BN® powders offer formulators many solutions wrapped into one material.
 

What is TRÈS BN?

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is a synthesis of Borax (natural mineral) and a Nitrogen source at high temperature resulting in a lamellar structure that resembles graphite, except pure HBN is white.  TRÈS BN cosmetic powders are Ultra-High Purity (UHP) versions of this lamellar form with each layer or cleavage face containing boron and nitrogen.  There is no B-N bonding between layers and, therefore, planes slide over one another, creating a soft and lubricating effect.
 

A Beautiful Alternative

Each TRÈS BN® grade has unique properties that are associated with crystal size, morphology and surface characteristics.  From sub-micron crystals to 50 micron platelets, each grade within this range has a different appearance from matte to shiny, but all are soft, smooth and adherent.  Furthermore, TRÈS BN® is a dielectric ceramic powder that remains on the skin's surface, offering a transparent and photo-stable layer of protection for skin care actives.

Hiding Power

The whiteness of the crystals permits low micron sized powders to act as pigments.  Their high surface area provides bonding sites for liquid carriers, providing excellent coverage and hiding power.

Compressibility

Flat platelets allow for excellent compaction eliminating the need for compacting additives such as stearates.

Lubricity

Scientific testing shows TRÈS BN powder offers lower coefficients of friction than traditional cosmetic powders such as talc, resulting in a more lubricious feel and silky texture.

TRÈS BN® high purity cosmetics powders are available in D50 particle sizes of 2 to 30 microns. Unique properties of each grade are related to its crystal size. Whether it is shiny appearance or matte, bold effects or subtle, available range of TresBN powders offers a solution for all skin care and color cosmetic needs.

TRÈS BN® Powder Specifications

Crystal structure Hexagonal
BN 99+%
Heavy metals <1 ppm
pH 6 - 8
Appearance White, photo-stable and odorless powder
Texture Soft, slippery, smooth
Particle size Grades from <1µm to 30µm
Refractive index 1.74
Coefficient of friction <0.3
Dielectric constant 3 - 4
Theoretical density 2.26 g/cm3
Molecular weight 24.86

 

Toxicology

TRÈS BN Cosmetic Powders have had product safety evaluations conducted by an independent laboratory and were determined to be completely safe for cosmetic use in all parts of the world.  Boron Nitride powders are inert and non-toxic.

Typical Chemical Analysis

BN >99%
B2O3 <0.1%
O2 <0.5%
Metals (Hg, As, Pb) <1ppm