Cosmetic pearl pigments are the same broad chemistry as industrial ones, but they are sold into a different regulatory universe. The dividing line is not "purity" in the abstract — it is the permitted-use list for colourants in the destination market and the documentation that proves a given grade sits on it.
In the EU, cosmetic colourants must appear on the permitted list in the cosmetics regulation, with restrictions that vary by application area — the eye area, the lips, and the rest of the body are treated differently, and some entries are limited to products that are rinsed off. The practical implication for a formulator is that two visually identical powders can have different permitted uses. Build your shade card around compliance, then match colour, rather than the reverse.
| Product type | Typical particle-size direction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pressed eyeshadow | Fine to mid, narrow distribution | Even payout, good pressability, no grittiness |
| Loose powder / highlighter | Mid to coarse | Visible sparkle and light-catching highlight |
| Lip products | Fine, tightly specified | Mouthfeel; coarse flakes feel gritty |
| Blush / bronzer | Fine to mid | Blendability over a larger area |
| Nail and body art | Coarse and flake | Visual impact matters more than feel |
Q: Can one grade serve both eyeshadow and nail art?A: Compliance-wise they must both be permitted for the intended use, and the particle size that feels right on the eye is usually too fine for nail art. Most brands specify two or three grades.
Q: What documentation should come with every batch?A: Batch COA, TDS, SDS, and a declaration of permitted-use status for the target market. Keep them together with your Product Information File.