Novel
organosilicon-treated cosmetic powders, for example, a
pigment,
extender pigment or filler are free from residual
hydrogen, have a smooth feel, good
skin adhesion, good color and
spreadability and resistance to acids and alkalis. The treated powders are useful in
cosmetics such as
powder formulations, oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions,
anhydrous make-up and
lipstick. Treatment can be effected with a linear reactive alkylpolysiloxane having substituted in repeating units in the backbone of the molecule both cationic and anionic groups, for example aminoethylaminopropyl and alkoxy groups. The
organosilicon compound can be adsorbed and chemically bonded to the surface of the
powder by heat treatment. The alkylpolysiloxane compound can have a
degree of polymerization of from 5 to 100, preferably 10-15. A process for producing the treated
pigment is also disclosed as are cosmetic formulations made with the treated pigment. The inventive treatment is effective for a wide range of cosmetic powders including
inorganic pigments, organic lakes and hard-to-coat powders such as
mica-based powders, porous silica and the like.