Starphere C5-WH36

Biodegradable White Visual Effect Beads for Toothpaste Formulations

INCI Name: Microcrystalline Cellulose/Pigment

Starphere C5-WH36 consists of durable yet gentle white beads designed specifically to add visual appeal and a multi-sensory experience to oral care products. Made from biodegradable microcrystalline cellulose, these medium-sized beads (420–850 μm) create distinct, stable speckles in toothpaste gels and pastes. They are engineered to remain intact in the tube but break down easily during brushing, providing a gentle sensory cue without harsh abrasiveness.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Gel Toothpastes

Creates visually striking white speckles suspended in clear or colored gel bases for enhanced consumer appeal.
Opaque Toothpastes

Provides a contrasting visual texture in traditional white or colored toothpaste pastes.
Children's Toothpaste

Adds a fun and engaging visual element to encourage regular brushing habits.
Natural & Clean Oral Care

Offers a biodegradable and naturally derived option for adding texture and visual effects to clean oral care lines.
Mouthwash with Suspending Agents

Can be suspended in thickened mouthwash formulas to provide a unique visual and sensory burst upon use.

How to Use Starphere C5-WH36 in Your Formulations

Understanding Starphere C5-WH36

Starphere C5-WH36 is a specialty functional ingredient designed to make oral care products look and feel more interesting. Think of these as tiny, biodegradable spheres that add visual flair to toothpaste by creating a speckled appearance that immediately catches the consumer’s eye. For the formulator, they are made from microcrystalline cellulose (a plant-derived material) that is strong enough to stay suspended in the formula but soft enough to break down easily during brushing without damaging tooth enamel. This provides a satisfying, gentle burst and ensures a smooth, non-gritty after-feel.

Formulation Tips

Recommended Usage Rate: Use between 0.5% and 2.5%. A lower level (around 0.5–1%) is often sufficient for a distinct speckled look. Higher levels can be used for a more densely packed visual effect.

Incorporation: Add Starphere C5-WH36 at the very end of the manufacturing process. Introduce the beads into the finished toothpaste base and mix slowly with a low-shear propeller or paddle mixer until evenly distributed. Avoid high-shear mixing to prevent premature bead damage.

Suspension: Ensure your base has adequate viscosity and yield strength to hold 420–850 μm particles in place. Rheology modifiers (e.g., xanthan gum, carrageenan, carbomer) help build a stable network that prevents settling.

Compatibility: Starphere C5-WH36 is compatible with common toothpaste components, including fluorides, silica-based abrasives, humectants (glycerin, sorbitol), and surfactants used in gel and paste formats.

Key Performance Benefits:

Enhanced Visual Appeal: Creates crisp white speckles that stand out in both clear gel and opaque paste systems for strong shelf presence.
Gentle Sensory Experience: Engineered to break down easily under brushing, offering a subtle sensory cue without abrasiveness or residual grittiness.
Excellent Stability: Remains visually distinct within the formula over shelf life without bleeding color.
Natural and Biodegradable: Made from plant-derived microcrystalline cellulose for clean, eco-conscious oral care concepts.
Optimized Particle Size: 420–850 μm diameter for clear consumer visibility while remaining practical to suspend in standard toothpaste rheology.

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, Starch-Based Beads
Phase Compatibility	Cool-Down Phase
Application Area	Oral Care
Product Type Suitability	Oral Care Products
Certifications	Biodegradable, Naturally Derived
Physical Form	Bead/Pearl

Frequently Asked Questions About Starphere C5-WH36

Starphere C5-WH36 adds a visual effect to your toothpaste by creating small white speckles that remain suspended in the formula. During brushing, they provide a gentle, satisfying burst without grittiness.

A good starting point is 0.5%–1.5% of the total formula. Increase up to 2.5% for a denser, more prominent speckled appearance.

Add the beads at the very end of processing, after the base is fully built and thickened. Mix gently with low shear to distribute evenly without breaking the beads.

No. They are made of microcrystalline cellulose and are engineered to break down easily with normal brushing pressure, so they won’t damage tooth enamel.

Build sufficient viscosity and yield value using rheology modifiers like xanthan gum, carrageenan, or carbomer so the beads remain suspended and do not settle over time.

Yes. They are considered naturally derived and are made from microcrystalline cellulose sourced from purified wood pulp. They are also biodegradable.

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