Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Blue has historically been avoided in cosmetic chemistry, as the pigment emits a smelly gas at a low pH. But scientists at the University of Toledo have found a way to incorporate ultramarine blue into formulas for loose powder and stick foundations. The researchers do not have plans to commercialize this work. Rather, their hope is that the beauty industry can utilize their formulas as a backbone to expand and innovate their product lines and to provide better options for consumers with darker skin tones.
“Effect of ultramarine blue on the color of powder and stick foundations”
Presented at ACS Spring 2025 on March 26, 2025
Presenter: Gabriella Baki, Ph.D.
Principal investigator: Gabriella Baki, Ph.D.
To read an ACS press release about this research, go to acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/march/blue-pigment-improves-foundation-makeup-shades-for-dark-skin.html.
Video credits:
Written, narrated, produced and edited by Vangie Koonce
Series produced by Vangie Koonce and Andrew Sobey
Executive produced by Matthew Radcliff
Research videos from Gabriella Baki, Ph.D., Karissa Richards, and Raihaanah Safee
Additional Video: ChemTube 3D and Shutterstock
Music: “Optimistic Morning (No Piano)” by Boris Skalsky from Triple Scoop Music
Produced by the American Chemical Society (ACS), one of the world’s largest scientific societies. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.
Join the #AmericanChemicalSociety! bit.ly/Join_ACS
#blue #cosmetics #chemistry
Blue has historically been avoided in cosmetic chemistry, as the pigment emits a smelly gas at a low pH. But scientists at the University of Toledo have found a way to incorporate ultramarine blue into formulas for loose powder and stick foundations. The researchers do not have plans to commercialize this work. Rather, their hope is that the beauty industry can utilize their formulas as a backbone to expand and innovate their product lines and to provide better options for consumers with darker skin tones.
“Effect of ultramarine blue on the color of powder and stick foundations”
Presented at ACS Spring 2025 on March 26, 2025
Presenter: Gabriella Baki, Ph.D.
Principal investigator: Gabriella Baki, Ph.D.
To read an ACS press release about this research, go to acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/march/blue-pigment-improves-foundation-makeup-shades-for-dark-skin.html.
Video credits:
Written, narrated, produced and edited by Vangie Koonce
Series produced by Vangie Koonce and Andrew Sobey
Executive produced by Matthew Radcliff
Research videos from Gabriella Baki, Ph.D., Karissa Richards, and Raihaanah Safee
Additional Video: ChemTube 3D and Shutterstock
Music: “Optimistic Morning (No Piano)” by Boris Skalsky from Triple Scoop Music
Produced by the American Chemical Society (ACS), one of the world’s largest scientific societies. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.
Join the #AmericanChemicalSociety! bit.ly/Join_ACS
#blue #cosmetics #chemistry
