Starphere S5-BK45

Multi-Sensory Black Starch Beads for Visual Transformation and Antioxidant Delivery

INCI Name: Zea Mays (Corn) Starch / Microcrystalline Cellulose / Mannitol / Pigment / Tocopheryl Acetate

Starphere S5-BK45 are striking black, biodegradable beads made from corn starch that create a powerful visual statement in clear or light-colored formulas. Upon application, they gently break down with friction to release Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), delivering antioxidant benefits while enhancing the user experience. Their 500–700 μm particle size provides a visible effect without being abrasive, making them ideal for a wide range of skin and body care products.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Detoxifying Masks & Cleansers

Adds a dramatic visual effect and releases Vitamin E upon application, enhancing the "detox" or "charcoal" product story.
Luxury Serums & Gels

Creates a stunning suspension effect in clear gel or serum bases, providing a visual cue of the encapsulated active ingredients.
Exfoliating Scrubs & Polishes

Provides a mild physical exfoliation as the beads break apart, revealing the active ingredient inside for a fresh, polished feel.
Men's Grooming Products

Lends a sophisticated, modern aesthetic to face washes, scrubs, and styling products while delivering skin-conditioning Vitamin E.
Spa & Body Treatments

Transforms body lotions, gels, and scrubs into premium spa products with a unique visual and sensory-release experience.
Bath Bombs & Soaks

Incorporates easily into powder formulas to add a burst of color and skin-conditioning actives when added to water.

How to Use Starphere S5-BK45 in Your Formulations

Understanding Starphere S5-BK45

Starphere S5-BK45 offers a simple way to make your products look and feel more advanced and effective. Think of them as tiny, solid bubbles that hold an active ingredient—in this case, the antioxidant Vitamin E. These small black beads are suspended in your product, creating a dramatic, high-tech look. When your customer rubs the product onto their skin, the beads burst, releasing the Vitamin E exactly where it’s needed.

For the more technical formulator, Starphere S5-BK45 is a delivery system composed of a biodegradable matrix of corn starch and cellulose. This matrix encapsulates Tocopheryl Acetate and a cosmetic-grade black pigment. The particle size of 500–700 μm is carefully controlled to ensure the beads are visible for aesthetic impact but break down easily with gentle pressure, avoiding any harsh or gritty feeling on the skin.

Formulation Tips

Usage Rate: 0.5% to 3%. Start at ~1% for a clear visual effect; increase for denser appearance or higher perceived active delivery.
When to Add: Incorporate during cool-down below 40°C (104°F). Avoid high temperatures and excessive shear to prevent premature bead breakage.
Suspension is Key: Maintain sufficient viscosity to keep beads evenly dispersed. Use suitable rheology modifiers (e.g., Xanthan Gum, Carbomer) to create a stable gel network.
Compatibility: Excellent in water-based gels, serums, lotions, and creams; also suitable for dry formats such as bath bombs and anhydrous powders.

Key Performance Benefits

Dramatic Visual Impact: Deep black beads create striking contrast in clear or light bases, instantly elevating shelf appeal.
Antioxidant Delivery: Encapsulates Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and releases it on application to help defend skin against environmental stressors.
Enhanced User Experience: The satisfying “burst” on rub-in signals active release and adds an interactive, premium sensory moment.
Naturally Derived & Biodegradable: Starch-based matrix supports clean beauty narratives without microplastics.
Gentle Textural Effect: Provides a very mild polishing sensation as beads break down—noticeable yet non-abrasive.
Versatile Application: Ideal for serums, gels, masks, cleansers, scrubs, and body care where a visual “active-in-bead” story is desired.

Heading #1
Benefits	Biodegradable, Clean & Natural, Controlled Release, Multi-Sensory Experience, Natural Derived, Performance Enhancement, Texture & Sensory, Visual Appeal & Color Burst
INCI Name	Zea Mays (Corn) Starch / Microcrystalline Cellulose / Mannitol / Pigment / Tocopheryl Acetate
Usage Rate	0.5%-3%
Particle Size	500-700 μm
Functional Type	Active-Loaded Granules, Delivery Systems, Starch-Based Beads
Phase Compatibility	Cool-Down Phase
Application Area	Body, Face, Scalp
Product Type Suitability	Bath Products, Cleansers, Creams & Lotions, Gels, Masks & Treatments, Serums & Essences
Certifications	Biodegradable, Cruelty-Free, Naturally Derived, Vegan
Physical Form	Bead/Pearl

Frequently Asked Questions About Starphere S5-BK45

They create a striking visual effect and act as a delivery system, protecting Vitamin E and releasing it onto the skin when the product is rubbed in.

Use 0.5% to 3% of the total formula. Start around 1% for a suspended look; increase toward 3% for denser visuals or a stronger polishing feel.

During the cool-down phase below 40°C (104°F). Stir gently to distribute evenly without crushing the beads.

No. At 500–700 μm, they are designed to be visible and detectable but non-abrasive. They break down readily to provide a mild, pleasant “bursting” sensation.

Yes. The bead matrix is primarily corn starch and cellulose—naturally derived and biodegradable—supporting clean beauty claims.

Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals and environmental stressors while supporting moisturization.

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