Starphere C5-BL36

Vibrant Blue Bursting Beads for Visually Engaging Toothpaste

INCI Name: Microcrystalline Cellulose / Pigment

Starphere C5-BL36 is a multi-sensory delivery system featuring vibrant blue beads designed specifically for oral care applications. Made from biodegradable microcrystalline cellulose, these beads provide a striking visual effect in toothpaste and break down easily during brushing, releasing their blue color. Their optimized particle size ensures they are visible and effective without feeling abrasive, creating a more engaging and appealing user experience.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Gel Toothpaste

Creates a visually stunning effect with bright blue specks suspended in a clear or translucent gel base, signaling freshness and cleaning power.
Opaque Toothpaste

Provides distinct blue color points within a white or colored paste that disappear during brushing for an interactive and fun experience.
Children's Toothpaste

Adds a playful visual element with gentle, dissolving beads that helps encourage children to brush regularly.
Mouthwash & Rinses

Can be suspended in thickened mouthwash formulas to provide a unique visual cue and sensory burst upon rinsing.
Exfoliating Gels

Offers a gentle physical exfoliation for body or face products, where the cellulose beads soften and dissolve with water and friction.

How to Use Starphere C5-BL36 in Your Formulations

Understanding Starphere C5-BL36

Starphere C5-BL36 is a functional ingredient designed to make oral care products look and feel more exciting. Think of these as tiny, vibrant blue spheres that you can suspend in toothpaste or other thick gel products. Their primary job is to provide a visual cue—like freshness or a special feature—and then break down during use. When someone brushes their teeth with a product containing these beads, the mechanical action of the toothbrush easily crushes them, releasing their color and providing a satisfying, non-abrasive sensory experience.

For the more technical-minded formulator, Starphere C5-BL36 consists of a microcrystalline cellulose matrix encapsulating a blue pigment. Cellulose is a plant-derived, biodegradable polymer, making this an excellent choice for natural and eco-conscious formulations. The 420–850 μm particle size is carefully controlled to be large enough for a distinct visual impact but small enough to dissolve without any harsh or gritty feeling, making it perfectly suited for oral care.

Formulation Tips

To get the best results from Starphere C5-BL36, timing and technique are key. These beads should be added at the very end of the formulation process.

Usage Rate: A typical usage rate is between 0.5% and 2.5%. Start on the lower end (around 0.5–1%) for a subtle speckled effect, and increase the concentration for a more dramatic visual impact.
Incorporation: Add the beads to your finished, cooled product base. Use a slow-speed mixer with a paddle or gate-style agitator. High-shear mixing will destroy the beads prematurely. The goal is to gently disperse them evenly throughout the product.
Suspension: Your toothpaste or gel base needs to be thick enough to suspend the beads and prevent settling. A viscosity of at least 15,000–20,000 cP is a good starting point for stable suspension.

Key Performance Benefits

Striking Visual Differentiation: Instantly elevates the appearance of toothpaste with vibrant blue specks, helping your product stand out and signal a premium, effective formula.
Engaging Brushing Experience: Beads provide a satisfying sensory cue as they break down during brushing, turning a routine into a more interactive experience.
Optimized for Oral Care: At 420–850 μm, the beads are non-abrasive and gentle on teeth and gums while remaining clearly visible in the product.
Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable: Made from plant-derived microcrystalline cellulose—an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic microbeads.
Simple to Incorporate: Easily dispersed into a finished product base using low-shear mixing—no heat required.

Heading #1
Benefits	Biodegradable, Clean & Natural, Multi-Sensory Experience, Natural Derived, Texture & Sensory, Visual Appeal & Color Burst
INCI Name	Microcrystalline Cellulose / Pigment
Usage Rate	0.5%-2.5%
Particle Size	420-850 μm
Functional Type	Delivery Systems, Sensory Modifiers, Starch-Based Beads, Texture Enhancers
Phase Compatibility	Cool-Down Phase
Application Area	Body, Face, Oral Care
Product Type Suitability	Cleansers, Gels, Masks & Treatments, Oral Care Products
Certifications	Biodegradable, Cruelty-Free, Naturally Derived, Vegan
Physical Form	Bead/Pearl

Frequently Asked Questions About Starphere C5-BL36

These beads are primarily for visual appeal and sensory experience. They make the toothpaste look more interesting and provide a fun bursting sensation as they dissolve during brushing, which can help indicate that the product is working.

We recommend a usage range of 0.5% to 2.5%. Use a lower amount (0.5%) for a few scattered specks, or a higher amount (up to 2.5%) for a very dense and colorful effect.

No, they are designed specifically for oral care. The microcrystalline cellulose structure is soft and breaks apart easily under the gentle pressure of brushing, so they won’t feel gritty or harm tooth enamel.

Always add the beads at the very end of your production process, after the toothpaste base has been made and has cooled down. Use slow, gentle mixing just to distribute them evenly. High-speed mixing will break them.

Yes, the components are considered safe for oral care formulations. The carrier, microcrystalline cellulose, is a widely used, plant-derived ingredient, and the pigment is cosmetic-grade.

No, the cosmetic-grade pigment is designed to be non-staining. It rinses away cleanly along with the toothpaste foam during brushing, leaving no residue behind.

Absolutely not. Starphere C5-BL36 beads are made from microcrystalline cellulose, which is derived from plant pulp. They are completely biodegradable and an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic microbeads.

Contact An Expert

Only 4 fields to get started. An expert will respond within 1 business day.

Your Samples Are Waiting

You've selected the following samples:

You haven't added any samples yet! Visit our product pages to select samples you'd like to request. Once you've added samples, return here to complete your request.

Ready to try them out?

Log In

Cookie Notice

The website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. View our Privacy Policy to learn more.