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Starphere T5-PI34

Biodegradable Red Starch Beads for Visually Appealing Toothpaste

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

Starphere T5-PI34 is a functional delivery system of vibrant red, biodegradable beads for oral care. These starch-based spheres add a striking visual effect to clear or translucent toothpaste gels and provide a gentle bursting sensation during brushing—an eco-friendly alternative to plastic microbeads that elevates consumer experience without compromising safety or sustainability.

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Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

  • Clear Toothpaste Gels
    Provides vibrant color speckles and a sensory burst, creating a premium and engaging user experience.
  • Children's Toothpaste
    Makes brushing more fun with appealing red color beads that dissolve easily and safely during use.
  • Natural & Vegan Oral Care
    Delivers visual appeal using biodegradable, plant-derived ingredients that align with clean beauty standards.
  • Whitening or Specialty Toothpaste
    Adds a visual cue that can be associated with a specific benefit, such as a “fresh breath burst” or “polishing action.”
  • Mouthwash Gels
    Creates suspended, colorful beads in thicker mouthwash or pre-brush rinse formulations for a unique aesthetic.

How to Use Starphere T5-PI34 in Your Formulations

Understanding Starphere T5-PI34

Starphere T5-PI34 are small, vibrant red spheres designed to make oral care products look and feel more engaging. Think of them as an eco-friendly evolution of the colorful specks seen in premium toothpastes. Made from natural corn starch, these beads provide a pop of color in the tube and gently dissolve during brushing—offering a safe, modern alternative to plastic microbeads.

For formulators, these beads are a simple, high-impact tool for product differentiation. They are engineered to remain intact in high-water toothpaste bases yet break down quickly with brushing. Mannitol in the system contributes to binding and a mild, pleasant sweetness suitable for oral care. The optimized particle size (600–850 μm) is visually distinct while remaining comfortable and non-abrasive in use.

Formulation Tips

Recommended Usage Rate: 0.5%–2.0%. Use ~0.5% for a subtle speckled look; 1.5%–2.0% for a dense, colorful effect.

When to Add: Add during the final step (cool-down phase) once the base is below 40°C (104°F). Avoid hot addition or high shear that could prematurely break the spheres.

Dispersion: Gently fold into the finished toothpaste or gel base until evenly distributed. Over-mixing can damage the beads.

Base Selection: Beads show best in clear or translucent gel bases. In opaque, white pastes the color effect is muted.

Suspension: Ensure sufficient viscosity to keep beads suspended (e.g., xanthan gum, carbomer, or comparable oral-care rheology modifiers).

Key Performance Benefits

  • Striking Visual Appeal: Vibrant red beads deliver immediate shelf impact and signal benefits to consumers.
  • Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable: Starch-based, sustainable alternative to banned plastic microbeads.
  • Enhanced Sensory Experience: Provides a gentle, pleasant bursting sensation during brushing.
  • Formulation Stability: Designed to remain intact in high-water systems without color bleed over shelf life.
  • Optimized Particle Size: 600–850 μm for strong visibility, comfort in use, and smooth dispensing from standard tubes.
  • Safe for Oral Care: Uses food-/cosmetic-grade materials appropriate for toothpaste and oral gels.
Heading #1
Benefits
Biodegradable, Clean & Natural, Multi-Sensory Experience, Natural Derived, Texture & Sensory, Visual Appeal & Color Burst
INCI Name
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch / Microcrystalline Cellulose / Mannitol / Pigment
Usage Rate
0.5%-2%
Particle Size
600-850 μm
Functional Type
Delivery Systems, Sensory Modifiers, Starch-Based Beads, Texture Enhancers
Phase Compatibility
Cool-Down Phase
Application Area
Oral Care
Product Type Suitability
Bath Products, Gels, Oral Care Products
Certifications
Biodegradable, Cruelty-Free, Naturally Derived, Non-GMO, Vegan
Physical Form
Bead/Pearl

Frequently Asked Questions About Starphere T5-PI34

They add a modern visual pop and provide a gentle bursting sensation during brushing. They offer an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads.
Use 0.5%–2.0% of the total formula. Lower levels create a light speckled look; higher levels yield a dense, colorful appearance.
Add at the very end, once the base is below 40°C (104°F). Gently fold to disperse and avoid high shear to prevent premature breakdown.
Yes. They contain materials like corn starch and mannitol that are appropriate for oral care. They are designed to dissolve during brushing; incidental ingestion is not a concern.
No. They are engineered to be soft and non-abrasive and break down quickly under normal brushing pressure, so they won’t scratch enamel.
The 600–850 μm size is compatible with standard toothpaste orifice sizes when properly suspended in a sufficiently viscous base.
Absolutely. They are fully biodegradable, visually impactful, and align with sustainability and regulatory expectations for microbead alternatives.

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Starphere T5-PI34

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