Boron Nitride

Boron Nitride, a slip powder for silky textures

Boron Nitride is a fine white mineral powder with a plate-like structure, and its INCI is simply Boron Nitride. The flat platelets glide over one another, which gives a powder or cream a smooth, almost buttery slip on the skin and a soft-focus look that blurs the appearance of texture. You can buy it here as a cosmetic grade raw material from a 10 g trial pack, enough to test a few pressed and loose powder bases, up to 1 kg bulk packs for production.

Where formulators use it

Most of the demand comes from color cosmetics. Pressed powders, loose setting powders, blushes, eyeshadows and foundations use Boron Nitride to improve spreadability and adhesion, and to give a satin rather than chalky finish. In skin care it appears in mattifying primers and light day creams, where a small share of the powder phase changes the after-feel without adding oil. Typical levels in finished makeup run from about 2 to 10%, while primers and creams usually need less.

Pairing it with other powders

Boron Nitride is often blended with other texture fillers to tune shine and payoff. A plant-based option such as tapioca powder keeps a formula feeling dry and light, and bamboo silica adds a stronger matte effect for oily-looking skin. Browse the rest of our cosmetic actives and functional powders to build a full powder phase.

Working with the powder

Disperse Boron Nitride in the oil phase or the binder of a pressed powder, or mill it with pigments so the platelets are evenly distributed. It does not dissolve in water or oil, so good mixing is what decides the final texture. In emulsions add it to the oil phase before homogenizing. For wholesale volumes above 1 kg, request a bulk quote from the supplier specification. It ships from Florida, usually within 1 to 2 business days, in the pack sizes shown above, and US shipping is free on orders of $50 or more.