In-cosmetics Korea 2026: Sun Chemical to unveil natural-origin charcoal pigment

Sun Chemical will unveil a charcoal cosmetic ingredient and showcase color pigment technologies at In-cosmetics Korea 2026, from July 1–3, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea.

The US-based pigments and materials manufacturer will introduce its ACI-5000 SunPuro Natural V. Charcoal Powder, a 100% natural-origin charcoal powder derived from upcycled paper and pulp by-products. Sun Chemical will also highlight its Chione line of synthetic mica-based effect pigments.

The company says the immersive colors reflect its leadership in high-performance, high-purity, and visually impactful cosmetic pigments.

“In-cosmetics Korea is an important opportunity to connect with customers and formulators across Asia-Pacific and discuss solutions aligned with today’s cosmetics market,” says Ed Webb, global director of cosmetics at Sun Chemical.

Bold colors, natural roots

ACI-5000 SunPuro Natural V. Charcoal Powder expands Sun Chemical’s SunPuro Naturals product line. The ingredient is touted to reinforce the company’s commitment to responsible, performance-driven raw materials for cosmetics.

The color cosmetic ingredient is designed for natural personal care and skin care formulations. Its natural origin content allows formulators to align with contemporary sustainability and clean beauty demands.

ACI-5000 SunPuro Natural V. Charcoal Powder offers natural opacifying properties for cosmetics, cleansers, masks, and rinse-off formulations. It also carries detoxifying and oil-control benefits for application in skin-balancing and cleansing products.

“ACI-5000 SunPuro Natural V. Charcoal Powder reflects our commitment to natural-origin alternatives for personal care and skin care applications, while our expanding Chione synthetic mica effect pigment portfolio helps brands create bold, high-impact color with brilliant luminosity,” says Webb.

Meanwhile, Sun Chemical’s Chione line of synthetic mica-based effect pigments includes Chione Electric, which offers high-chroma metallic-like effect pigments, and Chione Luminous, featuring interference effect pigments with gold and red reflection colors.

The company states that the pigments offer versatility and stability, aligning them with brands seeking easy-to-use, bold colors in cosmetics.

Sustainability in pigments

Color cosmetics are focusing on sustainability and performance claims.

Alongside Sun Chemical, various manufacturers in the color cosmetics space are putting the spotlight on sustainability claims. Marketing their products as “biodegradable,” “bio-based,” or “eco-friendly,” these companies are leaning into modern market demands for clean beauty.

Wacker Chemical Corporation presented its bio-based ingredient technologies for color cosmetics at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026 (May 19–20) in New York City, US, last month. Of the showcases, Belnext EMO FH 2 was shown as an emollient developed for skin care, sun care, hair care, and color cosmetics. In makeup applications, the ingredient supports pigment dispersion and color intensity.

Wacker said its solutions align with consumers’ focus on sustainability and biotechnology, positioning silicone and bio-based approaches as complementary rather than competing.

Roelmi HPC unveiled its sustainability-oriented pigment solutions in late April. The two pillars of the company’s portfolio are ColorGlam and ColorEst — ester-coated pigments and pigments suspended in esters, respectively. The sustainable actives and functionals company touts the pigment solutions’ vibrant color performance, color release, heat stability, and regulatory compliance.

ColorGlam focuses on the balance between efficacy and circular economy principles. The free-flowing pigments that make up the portfolio are functionalized via tripelargonin, an ultra-lightweight ester. The ester is sourced from green chemistry technology of a controlled EU supply chain, according to Roelmi.