emirates7 - Researchers believe they have discovered a solution to the issue of makeup for darker skin tones often appearing ashy or grey after application.
The beauty industry has seen significant growth in products designed for people with darker skin tones, with many brands now offering an extensive range of shades. Now, researchers suggest that incorporating ultramarine blue into makeup formulations can help reduce the ashy or grey appearance that can occur with such products.
Gabriella Baki, an associate professor of pharmaceutics at the University of Toledo, explained that although some brands already use ultramarine blue, it’s not yet widely adopted. She hopes their research will shed light on why this ingredient should be more commonly included.
The team noted that the ashy look that sometimes results from makeup foundations for darker skin is due to the higher amounts of black iron oxide in these products. Ultramarine blue, by adding redder and yellower tones, helps warmer hues, making the foundation appear more natural. Additionally, ultramarine blue has a lower refractive index than black iron oxide, leading to less opaque color and reducing what’s known as the “grey cast.”
The research, which will be presented at the upcoming spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), involved creating 20 powder foundations and 18 stick foundations in both darker and lighter shades. The team used a spectrophotometer to analyze the color of the powders and assessed them visually on specialized paper and when applied to participants' inner forearms.
Baki noted that ultramarine blue helps different undertones in both dark and light foundations, but it is especially beneficial for darker shades because it reduces the greyish tint. She recommends combining black iron oxide with ultramarine blue for the best results, though ultramarine blue can also be used on its own to dark pigments, depending on the skin tone and undertone desired.
For very dark skin tones, Baki explained that ultramarine blue alone might not provide the depth needed, as it creates lighter foundations compared to black iron oxide at the same percentage. However, blending both pigments can produce a more natural look than black iron oxide alone.
The study highlights the potential for more inclusive foundation lines by suggesting that ultramarine blue should be added to all shades to broaden the range of undertones and more skin-like foundation options.
The beauty industry has seen significant growth in products designed for people with darker skin tones, with many brands now offering an extensive range of shades. Now, researchers suggest that incorporating ultramarine blue into makeup formulations can help reduce the ashy or grey appearance that can occur with such products.
Gabriella Baki, an associate professor of pharmaceutics at the University of Toledo, explained that although some brands already use ultramarine blue, it’s not yet widely adopted. She hopes their research will shed light on why this ingredient should be more commonly included.
The team noted that the ashy look that sometimes results from makeup foundations for darker skin is due to the higher amounts of black iron oxide in these products. Ultramarine blue, by adding redder and yellower tones, helps warmer hues, making the foundation appear more natural. Additionally, ultramarine blue has a lower refractive index than black iron oxide, leading to less opaque color and reducing what’s known as the “grey cast.”
The research, which will be presented at the upcoming spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), involved creating 20 powder foundations and 18 stick foundations in both darker and lighter shades. The team used a spectrophotometer to analyze the color of the powders and assessed them visually on specialized paper and when applied to participants' inner forearms.
Baki noted that ultramarine blue helps different undertones in both dark and light foundations, but it is especially beneficial for darker shades because it reduces the greyish tint. She recommends combining black iron oxide with ultramarine blue for the best results, though ultramarine blue can also be used on its own to dark pigments, depending on the skin tone and undertone desired.
For very dark skin tones, Baki explained that ultramarine blue alone might not provide the depth needed, as it creates lighter foundations compared to black iron oxide at the same percentage. However, blending both pigments can produce a more natural look than black iron oxide alone.
The study highlights the potential for more inclusive foundation lines by suggesting that ultramarine blue should be added to all shades to broaden the range of undertones and more skin-like foundation options.