Makeup that changes color in contact with the skin, how exactly does it work?

Never before have we seen so many contents that highlight makeup that reacts to the pH of the skin. At the same time, if not innovative, these beauty products that as soon as they are applied to the face it changes color according to the acidity of each epidermisI am increasingly efficient thanks to the scientific progress of the sector. So much so that they are starting to replace “classic” blushes and lipsticks because they allow you to get them a more natural and personalized result.

But before we explain how these products work, let’s get back to the basics: what is pH? Nick Dindio, Director of Research and Development at SOS Beauty, a Los Angeles-based beauty incubator, simply puts it at Byrdie :

“It’s a measure that evaluates the number of hydrogen ions in a solution”.

How does the pH change the color of clear makeup?

The cosmetics industry is fascinating in terms of research and technological advancements. And it is even more so when you know that it is the main factor that allows the formula to change color in contact with the skin it resides in a dye that manages to vary its hue based on the pH and the environment. This famous dye, on the other hand, it needs water to allow its vibrant form to function. Dindio talks about this phenomenon:

“Lip products and some blushes generally don’t contain water, which makes them easier to maintain.”

An adaptation to every complexion: too many marketing arguments

If blushes, lipsticks and all other products that react to the skin’s pH are relatively effective, they absolutely do not change color depending on the skin tone. It’s a marketing step which is read regularly but which is in no way valid for this type of product. How come ? For a simple reason: it is only the acidity of each epidermis that allows to obtain this result. The latter may vary if, for example, you moisten your lips with saliva and that the latter has a different pH than that of your mouth. But unfortunately it ends here …

A still limited color spectrum

Intense pink, plum, cherry red, orange … The color chart when it comes to pH reactive blushes and lipsticks is quite limited. And that’s a shame, because the result they offer once worn is quite pleasant, especially for people who like to wear subtle makeup. But why are these small products available in a narrow spectrum? Nick Dindio has the answer and sadly he’s a bit fatalistic:

“There aren’t many options [de couleurs de pH], which is why these color changing products are generally pretty limited to a handful of colors. “

Fortunately, the colors already coated with these dyes are general enough to suit all skin tones. And if we are looking for a more complex shade, we just have to take a look from the side colored balms to obtain a similar result, certainly less magical, but just as effective!

An image credit: @anjieluvsyou.