Common Name(s): Bismuth oxychloride,pearl white,biocl
CAS Number: 7787-59-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides intense pearlescent shimmer and silky feel from bismuth oxychloride crystal.
Why It's Used: Premium pearlescent pigment providing the most intense, silky pearl lustre of any cosmetic shimmer ingredient.
How It Works: Tetragonal biocl crystals with high ri (2.15) and flat platelet morphology provide intense specular reflection for maximum pearl lustre. layered lattice structure provides exceptional slip and silky skin feel. bright silver-white colour from high ri.
Typically Found In: Highlighters,pearl foundations,luxury cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Colorant โ pearlescent pigment
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ25%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Bismuth oxychloride's crystal structure (tetragonal layered lattice with alternating bi-o and cl layers) provides the same layered platelet morphology as mica but with higher refractive index (2.15 vs mica 1.56) for more intense light reflection. the smooth, silky skin feel from biocl platelets arises from their unusually perfect crystallographic faces that slide over skin with minimal friction โ a tactile property that earned it the traditional chinese name 'pearl essence'.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,eu cosmetics regulation annex iv