Barium sulfate (CI 77120) is an inorganic compound used in various industries, including cosmetics and personal care products. In cosmetics, it functions primarily as a pigment and a bulking agent, providing opacity and a white color to formulations.
Chemical Composition and Structure: Barium sulfate (BaSO₄) is composed of:
- Barium Ion (Ba²⁺): A metal ion that is the key component of the compound.
- Sulfate Ion (SO₄²⁻): An anion consisting of a central sulfur atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms.
The chemical structure features a barium atom bonded to a sulfate group, forming a crystalline solid with a high density.
Physical Properties:
- Appearance: White, odorless powder.
- Density: High density, typically around 4.5 g/cm³.
- Solubility: Insoluble in water and most organic solvents, making it stable in various formulations.
- Texture: Fine, powdery texture.
Production Process: The production of barium sulfate involves:
- Mining: Barium sulfate is extracted from natural mineral sources, such as barite ore.
- Processing: The ore is crushed and purified to obtain pure barium sulfate. This may involve chemical treatments to remove impurities.
- Milling: The purified barium sulfate is ground into a fine powder suitable for use in cosmetic formulations.
Applications:
- Medical. Barium sulfate is used in medicine for imaging the gastrointestinal tract and usually does not settle within the wall of the intestine (1).
- Cosmetics: Used in various cosmetic products, including:
- Foundations and Powders: Provides opacity and a white color, improving coverage and texture.
- Sunscreens: Acts as a physical sunscreen agent by blocking UV radiation.
- Eye Products: Adds brightness and improves the consistency of formulations.
- Personal Care Products: Can be used in products such as body lotions and creams for its bulking and stabilizing properties.
- Cosmetic Functions:
Colorant. This ingredient has the function of colouring the solution in which it is inserted in a temporary, semi-permanent or permanent manner, either alone or in the presence of the complementary components added for colouring.
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
- Environmental Impact: The extraction and processing of barium sulfate should be managed to minimize environmental disruption. Responsible mining practices are essential to reduce ecological impact.
- Safety: Barium sulfate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. It is non-toxic and non-reactive under normal conditions. However, inhalation of the powder should be avoided to prevent respiratory irritation.
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Molecular Formula BaO4S
Molecular Weight 233.39 g/mol
CAS 7727-43-7
UNII 25BB7EKE2E
EC number 231-784-4
MFCD00003455
Synonyms:
Pigment White 21
