Microspheres, Microsphere Complexes and Composites

Microspheres are discrete spherical particles ranging in average particle size from 1 to 40 microns. Because of their size and shape they are able to scatter light to diminish the look of fine lines on the skin, effect also known as "optical blurring" or "soft focus".
They also provide a ball bearing effect, which will impart finished products with increased payoff, an elegant silky texture, enhanced slip and better blendability for a more natural finish. Depending on level used, they can provide a non-tacky, velvety or powdery after-feel ("cream-to-powder" texture).
They are also used to absorb and deliver oils (porous microspheres such as silicas and silica shells), and as voluminizers for mascaras.

Solid Microsphere Complexes are blends of materials of different composition which create products with unique characteristics and performances.
Kobo SMC: Series of texture-enhancing products, using no plastic particles, that imparts similar properties in a wide range of finished products. These high quality complexes offer stability, texture, cushion, and the ability to formulate lipsticks, foundations, skin care, sun products, mascaras, eyeliners, blushers, bronzers and primers that feel the same throughout wear and temperature changes, due to an optimized ratio of each material in the blend.
KoboBlur™ 100 Natural is a powder complex made only of minerals and natural ingredients, using no plastic particles; the ingredients of this complex have complimentary refractive indexes and scatter light in a wide range of formulas.

A composite material is made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. There are several possible structures for building a composite microsphere:
- A modifier dispersed in a polymer matrix: NH-RAS06, MSP-TK04 are based on a PMSQ matrix with mineral modifiers. US-450 has small PSMQ particles embedded within the polyurethane matrix at the periphery of the microsphere to selectively diffuse light.
- A shell covering a core of a different composition: SESQ-MH5 has a PMSQ/Silica core/shell composition and UP-611 has a PMMA core and a Polyurethane outer shell and a unique semi-spherical shape which allows better skin adhesion.
- A mineral platelet like a pearlescent effect pigment covered with small polymer particles (SK-45-R)