ImerCare® Blur
ImerCare Blur a sustainable alternative to synthetic ingredients
Imerys has designed a unique patented calcium carbonate with a specific size, spherical morphology and transparency which is an effective natural alternative to synthetic ingredients, such as silica, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and nylon, used as skin mattifying agents in make-up and cosmetics.
ImerCare Blur meets current trends for sustainable ingredients which improve the ecoprofile of the end product, comply with changing regulations - such as the ban on microplastics - and meet increasing consumer demand for natural products.
Due to its unique spherical morphology which creates a ‘ball bearing’ effect, ImerCare Blur improves the smoothness and sensory profile of cosmetics, whilst creating a soft focus effect which diminishes imperfections and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
ImerCare Blur demonstrates similar performance to silica, nylon and PMMA
In panel tests comparing ImerCare Blur to silica, nylon and PMMA in pressed powder formulations, ImerCare Blur delivered equivalent performance to synthetic ingredients in terms of soft focus, opacity, matt effect and adherence.
ImerCare Blur demonstrates equivalent performance to silica, nylon and PMMA synthetic matting agents
ImerCareBlur has a transparent life-cycle and is Cosmos-approved
Imerys is committed to finding innovative solutions that enable its customers to align with sustainability-related trends and regulations.
Imerys has conducted numerous Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) of the products in its portfolio to determine their environmental footprint. These studies provide customers with fully comprehensive, transparent information about a product and give more visibility on the impact of specific products or facilities—a prerequisite to any eco-design approach.
ImerCare Blur is produced at our Salin de Giraud site in France which is covered by 14001 environmental management and ISO 50001 energy management certification and which has been widely engaged in cultivating good neighbour relations through initiatives such as shared gardens, ecograzing for local livestock and renewable electricity projects.
The full LCA of ImerCare Blur, calculated according to ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, is available upon request.
ImerCare Blur complies with industry microbiological standards without resorting to irradiation. It is not treated with chemicals during processing. As such, it is Cosmos approved.
ImerCare Blur is an Imerys Pioneer product
Derived from natural calcium carbonate, ImerCare Blur is not only an effective ingredient for achieving soft focus in cosmetics, it offers a viable, natural alternative to synthetic polymer-based blurring agents used in cosmetics, such as PMMA and nylon. As such, it is fully aligned with current and future market and legislative trends governing microplastic use in cosmetics. Replacing microplastic additives in make-up powders guarantees plastics do not end up in sewage systems following wash off.
For all the above reasons, ImerCare Blur is covered by the Imerys Pioneer Certificate, meaning it represents the highest social and environmental contribution to the downstream value chain, while demonstrating a low environmental impact in its production phase, compared to its economic value. Pioneer is our highest sustainability rating for products and services and denotes outstanding sustainability performance compared to the reference on the market.
Key benefits
Imerys Kaolins de Bretagne in southwest Brittany hosted an open day to commemorate its 120th anniversary, bringing together the general public, site employees and their families, customers, representatives of local associations, local elected officials and other important regional stakeholders. The day also marked another significant milestone for the company's future, since it coincides with the renewal in 2023 of the prefectural order authorizing Imerys to continue its mining activities at Kaolin de Bretagne for a further 28 years.
In the pursuit of healthy white teeth, Imerys has found that toothpaste that combines kaolin and delicately engineered perlite provides highly effective dental care and meets consumers’ preference for natural ingredients.
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