Merck is launching Ronastar Lapis Jewel, a new effect blue pigment for the cosmetics industry.

With its elegant blue, intense sparkle and brilliance, it reflects the fascination of lapis lazuli. The inimitable appearance of the deep-blue semi-precious stone calls to mind the sparkle of a starry sky. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was long reserved for pharaohs as the stone of kings,” said the ingredients supplier.

The pigment consists of calcium-aluminium borosilicate platelets, coated with special metal oxides and iron blue. Its sparkle in cosmetics is based on a particle size of 20 to 200 μm that creates innovative light reflections. According to Merck, the new pigment is ideally suited for stunning eye shadows and brilliant nail polishes with intense blue sparkles achieving a certain glamour factor.

Ronastar Lapis Jewel is easy to use in cosmetic formulations and meets the requirements of the European REACH regulation,” added Merck.

Following Ronastar Golden Jewel and Ronastar Copper Jewel, the new Ronastar Lapis Jewel product continues Merck’s jewel series of effect pigments for cosmetics.