Pigmented particulate MMC material

Abstract

The invention relates to a pigmented particulate mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MMC) material and to a method of producing such a pigmented particulate MMC material The method comprises reacting MgO in methanol in a CO2-containing atmosphere at a pressure above ambient pressure to form a reaction liquid, gelling the reaction liquid to form a carbonated gel and drying the carbonated gel to form a particulate MMC material. Non-white pigment is added during the reaction and / or to the reaction liquid prior to and / or during the gelling so that the formed the particulate MMC material is pigmented particulate MMC material.

Description

[0001] PIGMENTED PARTICULATE MMC MATERIAL

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to pigmented particulate mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MMC) material and to methods of producing such pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MMC) has attracted attention as an absorbent of lipids and moisture as well as a carrier of substances for cosmetic or therapeutic applications, among other applications. MMC is a highly porous material composed of amorphous magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide. The specific surface area, total pore volume and the average pore size of MMC can be varied by tuning the synthesis conditions. The material has also been shown in vitro to be non- cytotoxic, showing no toxicity to human dermal fibroblast cells and does not induce any skin irritation or skin sensitization when dermatology tested on human subjects.

[0006] US 9,580,330, US 10,508,041 and US 11 ,155,469 disclose an X-ray amorphous magnesium carbonate characterized by a cumulative pore volume of pores with a diameter smaller than 10 nm of at least 0.018 cm3 / g, and a specific surface area of at least 60 m2 / g. The X-ray amorphous magnesium carbonate can be a powder or a pellet and acts as a desiccant.

[0007] US 2022 / 0160594 discloses a particulate highly porous amorphous MMC material suitable for uptake of high amounts of oily substances, sebum or a beneficial agent or combinations of these and to topical and cosmetic compositions comprising such material. The particulate highly porous amorphous MMC material has a total pore volume larger than 0.1 cm3 / g and is constituted of particles having a peak particle size at or below 35 pm.

[0008] Particulate MMC material, such as Upsalite®, can be produced to have dual absorption properties absorbing both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances, such as moisture / sweat and oil / sebum, simultaneous. The absorbed hydrophilic and lipophilic substances are encapsulated within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material, leaving its outer structure dry until the pores are full. The absorbing properties of particulate MMC material make them suitable for inclusion in cosmetic, hair care and skin care products. For instance, particulate MMC material has been included in such products to achieve shine control, long lasting mattifying effect, sebum control, and / or as texture and viscosity modifier. Many cosmetic, hair care and skin care products are pigmented, colored or tinted products. The products should, when applied to skin or hair, provide an even coloring effect on the skin or hair surface. Particulate MMC materials, though have an off-white natural color. Accordingly, when particulate MMC material is included in pigmented, colored or tinted cosmetic, hair care or skin care products, they may be visibly noticeable on the skin or hair surface resulting in a non-optimal visual effect.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for particulate MMC material that can be included in such pigmented, colored or tinted products without the risk of being visibly noticeable when applying the products on the skin or hair.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] It is a general objective to provide pigmented MMC material.

[0012] It is a particular objective to provide pigmented MMC material useful as additive in topical products, such as cosmetic, hair care and / or skin care products.

[0013] These objectives are met by embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] The present invention is defined in the independent claims. Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] An aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a pigmented particulate MMC material. The method comprises a reaction step comprising reacting magnesium oxide in methanol in a carbon dioxide containing atmosphere at a pressure above ambient pressure to form a reaction liquid. The method also comprises a gelling step comprising gelling the reaction liquid to form a carbonated gel and a drying step comprising drying the carbonated gel to form a particulate MMC material. According to the invention, nonwhite pigment is added during the reaction step and / or to the reaction liquid prior to and / or during the gelling step. The produced particulate MMC material is thereby a pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a particulate MMC material characterized in that the particulate MMC material is a pigmented particulate MMC material comprising non-white pigment within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material. Related aspects of the invention define a topical composition and a topical product comprising a pigmented particulate MMC material according to the invention.

[0017] The particulate MMC material of the present invention is a pigmented particulate MMC material with nonwhite pigment present within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material. This is achieved by adding non-white pigment during the reaction and / or gelling steps of the production of the particulate MMC material. As a consequence, the pigmented particulate MMC material obtains a color defined by the particular non-white pigment instead of the natural off-white color of non-pigmented particulate MMC material. The addition of the pigment during the reaction and / or gelling steps further inhibits pigment leakage from the pigmented particulate MMC material. Accordingly, the pigmented particulate MMC material remains pigmented even when included in compositions and dispersed in solvents.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The embodiments, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by making reference to the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Fig. 1 illustrates photographs of slurries sprayed onto black paper in the form of slurries of (1A) pure particulate MMC material, (1 B) iron oxide pigmented particulate MMC material and (1 C) activated coal pigmented particulate MMC material;

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates photographs of slurries sprayed onto black paper in the form of slurries of (2A) dry mixture of activated coal pigment and particulate MMC material, (2B) wet mixture of activated coal pigment and particulate MMC material, (2C) dry mixture of iron oxide pigment and particulate MMC material, (2D) wet mixture of iron oxide pigment and particulate MMC material and (2E) mixture of FADM60BTB pigment and particulate MMC material;

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates powder cakes produced from mixtures between pigment and particulate MMC material with top left to right: dry mixture of activated coal pigment and particulate MMC material, wet mixture of activated coal pigment and particulate MMC material and pure activated coal pigment, and bottom left to right: dry mixture of iron oxide pigment and particulate MMC material, wet mixture of iron oxide pigment and particulate MMC material and pure iron oxide pigment; and

[0023] Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of producing pigmented particulate MMC material according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention generally relates to pigmented particulate mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MMC) material and to methods of producing such pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0025] Particulate MMC materials have characteristics that make them highly interesting as additives in cosmetic, hair care and skin care products. In particular, particulate MMC materials, such as Upsalite® marked by Disruptive Material AB, can be produced to have dual absorption properties, simultaneously absorbing both hydrophilic substances, such as moisture and sweat, and lipophilic substances, such as oil and sebum. For instance, the particulate MMC material Upsalite® has been included in such products to achieve shine control, long lasting mattifying effect, sebum control, and / or as texture and viscosity modifier.

[0026] Many cosmetic, hair care and skin care products are pigmented products, also referred to as colored or tinted products in the art. This means that the cosmetic, hair care and skin care products contain pigments, also referred to as colorants, that give the products a desired color. However, particulate MMC material has a natural off-white color. As a consequence, when particulate MMC material is included in pigmented products, white particles may be visibly noticeable on the skin or hair surface resulting in a non-optimal visual effect. Hence, the off-white color of the particulate MMC material may become visible when applying the pigmented products containing the particulate MMC material on the skin or hair.

[0027] The present invention solves this problem by producing pigmented particulate MMC material. The pigmented particulate MMC material is colored by the added non-white pigment to thereby have a color equal to or at least close to the color of the non-white pigment. The non-white pigment is at least partly enclosed within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material and is thereby prevented or at least restricted from leaking out of the pigmented particulate MMC material even when included in topical compositions or dispersed in solvents. For instance, pigmented particulate MMC material soaked in the solvent ethanol maintains its color and is next to undetectable when sprayed onto a colored surface having the same color as the non-white pigment. The pigmented particulate MMC material thereby has a color different the natural, off-white color of non-pigmented particular MMC material. Accordingly, the color of the pigmented MMC material is thereby other than white, including other than off-white.

[0028] Comparative data as presented herein shows that these advantages of the present invention are not achieved when mixing the non-white pigment with pre-formed particulate MMC material. For instance, powder cakes produced from mixtures between non-white pigment and pre-formed particulate MMC material had a color that was a blend of the pigment color and the off-white color of the particulate MMC material, whereas powder cakes produced from pigmented particulate MMC material according to the invention had a color equal to or close to the pigment color. Further, spraying mixtures of non-white pigment and pre-formed particulate MMC material onto pigment-colored background resulted in white dots caused by the particulate MMC material. No such white dots were, however, seen when spraying the pigmented particulate MMC material of the invention. Solvent soaking of the pigmented particulate MMC material of the invention did not cause any significant pigment leakage, whereas such solvent soaking significantly affected the color of mixtures of pigment and pre-formed particulate MMC material.

[0029] An aspect of the present invention therefore relates to a method of producing a pigmented particulate MMC material, see Fig. 4. The method comprises a reaction step S1 , which comprises reacting magnesium oxide (MgO) in methanol (CH3OH) in a carbon dioxide (CO2) containing atmosphere at a pressure above ambient pressure to form a reaction liquid. The method also comprises a gelling step S2, which comprises gelling the reaction liquid to form a carbonated gel. The method further comprises a drying step S3, which comprises drying the carbonated gel to form a particulate MMC material. According to the invention, the method also comprises adding, in step S3, non-white pigment during the reaction step S1 and / or to the reaction liquid prior to and / or during the gelling step S2. The addition of the pigment in step S3, thereby results in the formation of pigmented particulate MMC material in step S4.

[0030] “MMC” refers herein to a mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MgCOa) characterized by being highly porous, having a high total pore volume and specific surface area. The porosity, total pore volume and specific surface area of MMC material can be tailored based on production parameters. Generally, particulate MMC material is characterized by a total pore volume larger than 0.1 cm3 / g and a specific surface area larger than 100 m2 / g (BET). MMC material comprises amorphous mesoporous magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). The MMC material may also contain impurities, such as intermediate products. The amount of such impurities in the MMC material is preferably at most 40 % by weight, preferably no more than 35 % by weight, and more preferably no more than 30 % by weight, such as no more than 25 % by weight or no more than 20 % by weight.

[0031] “Particulate MMC material” as used herein refers to MMC material in the form of MMC particles with a variation in size and shape. According to the invention, the non-white pigment is added during the production of the particulate MMC material, such as part of the starting material in the reaction step S1 , at any time during this reaction step S1 , following the reaction step S1 but prior to the gelling step S2 and / or during the gelling step S2 as shown in Fig. 4. Addition of the non-white pigment during the production of the particulate MMC material results in truly pigmented particulate MMC material with a persistent pigmentation also when included in various compositions or dispersed in solvents. It is believed that the addition of the non-white pigment during the production of the particulate MMC material as shown in Fig. 4 results in capturing or enclosing the non-white pigment within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material. This entrapment of non-white pigment within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material according to the invention results in a significantly better and more persistent pigmentation of the particulate MMC material as compared to merely mixing pigment and pre-formed MMC material as shown in the examples and comparative example.

[0032] As schematically shown in Fig. 4, the non-white pigment can be added at one or multiple, i.e. , at least two, occasions during the production of the particulate MMC particles. These addition occasions generally include during the reaction step S1 , between the reaction step S1 and the gelling step S2 and during the gelling step S2.

[0033] In the former case, the non-white pigment may, for instance, be pre-mixed with the magnesium oxide so that the mixture of non-white pigment and magnesium oxide is added to the methanol or the methanol is added to the mixture of the non-white pigment and magnesium oxide in a reaction vessel. Alternatively, the non-white pigment could be added separately, such as to the methanol, the magnesium oxide or to the magnesium oxide in the methanol in the reaction vessel.

[0034] Alternatively, or in addition, the non-white pigment is added to the reaction liquid obtained from the reaction step S1 prior to gelling the reaction liquid in step S2.

[0035] In yet another alternative, which can be combined with any of the variants above, the non-white pigment is added to the reaction liquid during the gelling step in step S2 but then prior to completion of the gelling. For instance, the non-white pigment could be added to the reaction liquid during the first half or the first quarter of the duration of the gelling step S2.

[0036] It is generally sufficient to add non-white pigment once in step S3 as shown in Examples 1 , 2 and 6. However, the invention is not limited thereto. This means that non-white pigment can be added at multiple occasions, such as twice, three times or more times, during the reaction as schematically illustrated by the horizontal arrows in Fig. 4.

[0037] In an embodiment, step S3 comprises adding the non-white pigment to the reaction liquid prior to and / or during the gelling step S2. In this embodiment, step S4 comprises drying the carbonated gel to form the pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, step S3 comprises adding the non-white pigment to the reaction liquid prior to the gelling step S2. This particular embodiment thereby implies that the non-white pigment is added to the reaction liquid once the reaction step S1 is regarded as being completed but prior to initiating the gelling step S2. This embodiment of adding the non-white pigment in between the reaction and gelling steps S1 , S2 has been used in examples 1 and 2.

[0039] In another particular embodiment, step S3 comprises adding the non-white pigment to the reaction liquid during the gelling step S2. In this particular embodiment, the non-white pigment is, thus, added during but prior to the completion of the gelling of the reaction liquid into the carbonated gel. In such a case, the non-white pigment is preferably added before the gelling has been allowed to proceed too far, such as during the first half or more preferably during the first quarter of the duration of the gelling step S2.

[0040] In another embodiment, step S1 comprises reacting magnesium oxide in methanol comprising the non- white pigment in the CO2-containing atmosphere at the pressure above ambient pressure. In this embodiment, step S4 comprises drying the carbonated gel to form the pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0041] As mentioned in the foregoing, in this embodiment, the non-white pigment could be added in step S3 together with or separate from the magnesium oxide into the methanol in the reaction vessel or into reaction vessel followed by addition of the methanol. This embodiment of adding the non-white pigment prior to starting the reaction in step S1 has been used in example 6.

[0042] The total amount of non-white pigment added in step S3 depends on the particular non-white pigment used and the desired pigmentation or coloring effect of the pigmented particulate MMC material. As an illustrative, but preferred, embodiment, step S3 comprises adding the non-white pigment at a total amount selected within an interval of from 1 up to 100 % by weight of the magnesium oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the non-white pigment is added in step S3 at a total amount selected within an interval of from 5 up to 50 % by weight of the magnesium oxide, more preferably selected within an interval of from 5 up to 40 % by weight of the magnesium oxide. For instance, the total amount of non-white pigment added in step S3 is preferably selected within an interval of from 10 up to 35 % by weight of the magnesium oxide, such as within an interval of from 15 up to 35 % by weight of the magnesium oxide, from 15 up to 30 % by weight of the magnesium oxide or from 15 up to 25 % weight of the magnesium oxide.

[0043] The above-mentioned preferred amounts of the non-white pigment are the total amount of non-white pigment added in step S3. This means that if non-white pigment is added at multiple occasions during the production of the pigmented particulate MMC material the total or combined amount of non-white pigment added at these multiple occasions preferably corresponds to the above-mentioned preferred amounts.

[0044] In an embodiment, step S1 comprises reacting magnesium oxide in methanol at a weight ratio of magnesium oxide to methanol (MgO : MeOH) selected within an interval of from 1 :5 up to 1 :20. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio MgO : MeOH is selected within an interval of from 1 :8 up to 1 :15, and more preferably selected within an interval of from 1 :10 up to 1 :12.

[0045] The reaction step S1 is performed in a CO2-containing atmosphere at a pressure above ambient pressure. This means that CO2 is added to the reaction vessel to obtain a pressure above ambient pressure. Accordingly, the partial pressure of CO2 (PPCO2) inside the reaction vessel is higher than the partial pressure of CO2 in ambient air. The reaction vessel thereby comprises a CO2 over pressure. For instance, if the ambient pressure is atmospheric pressure, i.e., about 1 bar, then the pressure inside the reaction vessel during the reaction step S1 is above 1 bar and the increase in pressure above ambient pressure is at least partly obtained by the addition of gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2 (g)) to the reaction vessel.

[0046] In an embodiment, the CO2-contai ni ng atmosphere has a CO2 over pressure of at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 1 bar, and more preferably at least 1.5 bar above ambient pressure. This means that the total pressure inside the reaction vessel, assuming an ambient pressure of 1 bar, will be at least 1.5 bar, preferably at least 2 bar, and more preferably at least 2.5 bar in these illustrative embodiments. The reaction rate of the reaction step S1 depends at least partly on the CO2 over pressure, i.e., higher reaction rate for higher CO2 over pressure. Cooling may be applied during the reaction step S1. Such a cooling has several advantages. Firstly, the solubility of CO2 in methanol is higher at lower temperature. This means that a lower CO2 over pressure could be used if lowering the temperature during the reaction step S1 and still obtaining sufficient CO2 dissolved in the methanol as compared to using a higher CO2 over pressure and higher reaction temperature. Secondly, keeping the temperature of the reaction step S1 under control allows the reaction to go to completion or near completion prior to gelling the reaction liquid. If the reaction temperature is allowed to increase too high then the gelling may occur simultaneously as the reaction is on-going. In such a case, the amount of starting materials and impurities in the resulting particulate MMC material will generally be higher in the final product as compared to running the reaction step S1 at a comparatively lower temperature.

[0047] Hence, in an embodiment, the reaction step S1 is preferably performed at a temperature selected within an interval of from 0 up to 40°C, preferably selected within an interval of from 5 up to 40°C and more preferably selected within an interval of from 5 up to 35°C. The reaction temperature can be controlled according to various embodiments. For instance, the reaction vessel could be placed in a temperatured oil or water bath or the reaction vessel, such as a vacuum palled dryer (VPD) or conical vacuum dryer (CVD), could be equipped with a jacket comprising cold liquid, such as water.

[0048] The reaction step S1 is preferably performed for a duration to allow at least most of the magnesium oxide to react into magnesium carbonate to thereby reduce the amount of starting material and intermediate products in the pigmented particulate MMC material. Thus, the duration of the reaction step S1 can at least partly be set depending on the acceptable amount of such starting material, intermediate products and impurities.

[0049] As an illustrative, but non-limiting, embodiment, the reaction step S1 is performed for a duration selected within an interval of from 4 up to 84 hours, preferably selected within an interval of from 6 up to 72 hours, and more preferably selected within an interval for from 12 up to 60 hours. Typically, a reaction duration of from 12 up to 48 hours or from 12 up to 36 hours may be sufficient to allow the reaction to go to completion or near completion.

[0050] In an embodiment, the gelling step S2 comprises reducing the pressure to ambient pressure and heating the reaction liquid to form the carbonated gel. Hence, the CO2 over pressure is preferably released to obtain a pressure equal to ambient pressure, such as atmospheric pressure, i.e., close to 1 bar. The reaction liquid is then heated to allow the reaction liquid to gel into the carbonated gel.

[0051] In an embodiment, the heating of the reaction liquid during the gelling step S2 comprises heating the reaction liquid until reaching a target temperature selected within a range of from 40 up to 80°C, preferably selected within an interval of from 40 up to 70°C, and more preferably selected within an interval of from 45 up to 65°C, such as within an interval of from 45 up to 60°C

[0052] In an embodiment, the gelling step S2 further comprises reducing the pressure below ambient pressure when the reaction liquid has reached the target temperature and stirring for a duration selected with an interval of from 1 up to 10 hours, preferably selected within an interval of from 2 up to 8 hours, and more preferably selected within an interval of from 2 up to 5 hours.

[0053] The reduction of the pressure below ambient pressure and stirring the reaction liquid once the target temperature has been reached promotes CO2 gas expansion and release during the gelling step S2. This expansion and removal of CO2 gas contributes to the formation of the mesoporous network of the resulting pigmented particulate MMC material and thereby the high porosity and specific surface area of the pigmented particulate MMC material. Furthermore, the reduction of the pressure promotes release of methanol during the gelling step S2.

[0054] The pressure below ambient pressure is preferably a pressure below atmospheric pressure, such as below 1 bar, preferably equal to or below 950 mbar, more preferably equal to or below 900 mbar, such as equal to or below 850 mbar. The particular level of under pressure, i.e., pressure below ambient pressure, can be used to influence the CO2 gas expansion and release and thereby tailor characteristics of the pigmented particulate MMC material, such as porosity and specific surface area.

[0055] The duration of the gelling step S2 is at least partly dependent on the selected target temperature and the reduced pressure and can be selected within the above-mentioned preferred intervals.

[0056] In an embodiment, the drying step S4 comprises heating the carbonated gel to a target temperature during a period of time while stirring the carbonated gel and maintaining the carbonated gel at the target temperature for a drying period while cycling the pressure between ambient pressure and a pressure below ambient pressure.

[0057] The heating of the carbonated gel while stirring allows, together with cycling between ambient pressure and a pressure below ambient pressure, for an efficient removal of methanol from the carbonated gel to form the pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0058] The under pressure used in the cycles could be a fixed under pressure, i.e., the same under pressure in all cycles, or different pressures below ambient pressure could be used for different cycles, such as decreasing the pressure over time. As an illustrative example, the pressure below ambient pressure is vacuum or close to vacuum. The embodiments are, however, not limited thereto but can use any pressure below ambient pressure, such as below atmospheric pressure.

[0059] The heating during the drying step S4 could be applied according to various embodiments. For instance, the reaction vessel containing the carbonated gel could be put in a temperature-controlled bath, such an oil bath, or a heated liquid could be applied to a jacket of a jacketed reaction vessel, such as VPD or CVD. In such a case, the temperature of the temperature-controlled bath or the heated liquid in the jacket is set to a temperature to provide sufficient heating of the carbonated gel to allow for efficient drying thereof. The temperature of the temperature-controlled bath or the heated liquid in the jacket could then be set directly to its selected temperature or be increased over time, such as continuously or step-by- step, until reaching the selected temperature.

[0060] In an embodiment, the target temperature is selected within an interval of from 150 up to 250°C, preferably selected within an interval of from 175 up to 250°C, and more preferably within an interval of from 200 up to 250°C.

[0061] In an embodiment, the period of time, during which the carbonated gel is heated until reaching the target temperature, is selected within an interval of from 1 up to 10 hours, preferably within an interval of from 2 up to 8 hours and more preferably selected within an interval of from 3 up to 6 hours. For instance, the temperature of the above-mentioned temperature-controlled bath or the heated liquid in the jacket could be increased with a defined temperature per hour during the period of time until reaching the target temperature. As illustrative, but non-limiting, examples the temperature could be increased by from 5°C / h up to 35°C / h, such from 10°C / h up to 30°C / h. In an embodiment, the drying period is selected within an interval of from 10 up 50 hours, preferably selected within an interval of from 20 up to 40 hours and more preferably within an interval of from 25 up to 35 hours.

[0062] In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material is an amorphous particulate MMC material comprising non-white pigment within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material.

[0063] In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has a total pore volume larger than 0.1 cm3 / g. In a particular embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has a total pore volume between 0.1 and 1.2 cm3 / g.

[0064] In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has a specific surface area larger than 100 m2 / g. In a particular embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has a specific surface area between 100 and 800 m2 / g. For instance, the pigmented particulate MMC material preferably has a specific surface area of at least 150 m2 / g, preferably at least 200 m2 / g, sch as at least 250 m2 / g, or even higher such as at least 300 m2 / g.

[0065] The specific surface area can be determined by employing the BET method as disclosed in US 9,580,330, US 10,508,041 and US 11 ,155,469. In brief, a multipoint BET analysis can be performed on the relative pressure range between 0.05 and 0.3 of the adsorption branch of a nitrogen isotherm performed at boiling nitrogen temperature. If the BET equation does not yield a linear slope in this pressure range, the BET analysis could be employed on a more narrow pressure range for accurate result. The nitrogen adsorption analysis can be performed on an ASAP 2020 from Micromeritics after drying the sample at 70°C for 2 days. Prior to analysis, the sample tube containing the sample is evacuated with a vacuum set point at 10 pm Hg and heated to at 95°C for 10 h with a ramping rate of 1 °C / min.

[0066] In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has an average pore size between 2 and 30 nm.

[0067] In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has a cumulative pore volume of pores with a diameter smaller than 10 nm of at least 0.2 cm3 / g, preferably at least 0.4 cm3 / g, and more preferably at least 0.6 cm3 / g, such as at least 0.8 cm3 / g. In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has a cumulative pore volume of pores with a diameter smaller than 10 nm up to 1 .5 cm3 / g, or more preferably up to 2 cm3 / g or most preferably up to 3 cm3 / g.

[0068] The pore size distribution and the cumulative pore volume specified of the pigmented particulate MMC material be determined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the adsorption isotherm as disclosed in US 9,580,330, US 10,508,041 and US 11 ,155,469.

[0069] The particle size of the pigmented particulate MMC material can be tailored or controlled by various sieving or milling techniques. For instance, the pigmented particulate MMC material obtained in step S4 could be subject to an optional milling step S5 as indicated in Fig. 4. Various types of millings could be used in the optional step S5 including, but not limited to, ball milling, pin milling and jet milling.

[0070] For instance, in an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material has a peak particle size at or below 35 pm. In such a case, the pigmented particulate MMC material obtained in step S4 could be fractionized to a predetermined peak particle size, such as peak particle size at or below 35 pm, for example by milling the pigmented particulate MMC material obtained in step S4 and / or sieving the pigmented particulate MMC material obtained in step S4 to the predetermined peak particle size, such as peak particle size at or below 35 pm.

[0071] Fractionizing as used herein should be interpreted in a broad sense as any method of fractionizing the pigmented particulate MMC material to a predetermined desired particle size distribution, typically and preferably characterized by a predetermined desired peak particle size. Fractionizing techniques include, but are not limited to, milling, such as ball milling, pin milling or jet milling, and / or sieving, such as vibrational sieving.

[0072] The non-white pigment used in the pigmented particulate MMC particles could be any non-white pigment or colorant traditionally used in pigmented, colored or tinted topical products, such as cosmetic, hair care or skin care products. Illustrative, but non-limiting, examples of such non-white pigments include a carbon black pigment, an iron oxide pigment, a chromium dioxide pigment, an ultramarine pigment, a magnesium violet pigment, a ferric ferrocyanide pigment, and any combination thereof.

[0073] Carbon black, also referred to as activated coal pigment, is a black colorant. Iron oxides are available in various shades, such as brown, yellow, red and black. Chromium dioxides are available in shades of blue-green, dull olive green and bright green. Ultramarine pigments are available in shades of pink, green, violet to bright blue. Magnesium violet is violet colorant. Ferric ferrocyanide, also referred to as iron blue, is a deep intense dark blue colorant.

[0074] In a particular embodiment, the non-white pigment is selected from the group consisting of a carbon black pigment, an iron oxide pigment, and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the non-white pigment is a carbon black pigment. In another embodiment, the non-white pigment is an iron oxide pigment or a mixture or combination of different iron oxide pigments.

[0075] The present invention also relates to a particulate MMC particulate characterized in that the particulate MMC material is a pigmented particulate MMC material comprising non-white pigment within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material.

[0076] The various embodiments discussed in the foregoing regarding suitable pigment and characteristics of the pigmented particulate MMC material, such as total pore volume, specific surface area, peak particle size and / or average pore size also apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0077] In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material is a pigmented amorphous particulate MMC material.

[0078] In an embodiment, the pigmented particulate MMC material is obtainable by the method described herein, such as in connection with Fig. 4.

[0079] An example of a pigmented particulate MMC material of the invention is pigmented Upsalite®.

[0080] The present invention also relates to a topical composition comprising pigmented particulate MMC material according to the embodiments. The topical composition is in particular a colored, pigmented or tinted topical composition.

[0081] The term “topical composition” used herein means a composition, which is intended to be applied onto a consumer's skin, for example, onto the facial skin, or provided on a consumer's hair and / or scalp. As appreciated by the skilled person, a topical composition may comprise a number of components or ingredients providing a large number of different functions, for example, but not limited to, other particulate materials, minerals, fillers, binders, fragrances, active ingredients, liquids, silicones, emollients. The topical composition is applied topically on the skin, hair and / or scalp for the use in cosmetics, skin care, hair care, or personal care to improve appearance of skin or hair or treat different skin-conditions. The term topical composition includes cosmetic compositions, hair care compositions and skin care compositions.

[0082] The pigmented particulate MMC material of the invention is typically included in the topical composition in order to provide an effect to the topical composition. In particular, the dual absorbing properties of the pigmented particulate MMC material may be used to achieve an absorption of both moisture / sweat and oil / sebum from the skin or hair. For instance, pigmented particulate MMC material can be included in such a topical composition to achieve shine control, long lasting mattifying effect, sebum control, and / or as texture and viscosity modifier.

[0083] The invention also relates to a topical product comprising a topical composition according to the invention.

[0084] The term “topical product” used herein refers to consumer products for topical use comprising a topical composition. Topical products include, but are not limited to, colored, pigmented or tinted cosmetic products, hair care products, skin care products and personal care products.

[0085] One type of topical product comprises a dry powder composition or formulation, for example, a pressed or loose powder or a powder spray. A loose powder product is a dry powder product characterized by fine free-flowing particles that usually is provided in ajar. A pressed powder product is a dry powder product that is compressed into compact form. It may contain ingredients, such as silicones and waxes, that facilitate the formation of the pressed compact powder form. Face powder in the form of a pressed power cake is an example of a common pressed powder product. A powder spray is powder that comes in a spray bottle. In a powder aerosol spray, the powder is dispersed in a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas.

[0086] Another type of topical product comprises a liquid composition or formulation including, for example, solutions, creams, emulsions, lotions, ointments, gels and pastes. A liquid product is provided in the form of a semi-viscous or viscous medium, for example, hydrous or anhydrous solutions, oil-in-water or water- in-oil emulsions, creams, lotions, suspensions, ointments, gels or pastes.

[0087] A third type of topical products comprises a semi-solid composition or formulation including, for example, silicones and waxes. A semi-solid product is at room temperature (20-25°C) neither solid nor liquid, for example a wax or a thick paste. Silicones and waxes are typically used to turn the powder product into a semi-solid. A stick and a cake are examples of semi-solid products.

[0088] A topical product may be applied to the skin or hair by hand or by other means of administration, for example, by spraying, brush or sponge for e.g., loose or pressed powders, sticks, liquid formulations and powder sprays.

[0089] Cosmetic products include, but are not limited to, complexion products, cosmetic face products, cosmetic lip products, cosmetic eye products and cosmetic body products. Particular examples of cosmetic products include, but are not limited to, a primer, a highlighter, a foundation, a concealer, a lip product, such as a lip balm, lip gloss or a lip stick, an eye shadow, a blush, a bronzing powder, a shaping powder, a finishing powder, a setting powder, a balm powder, a body powder and a blotting powder.

[0090] Hair care products include, but are not limited, to dry shampoos, hair sprays, hair gels, hair waxes, hair mousses, hair oils, hair creams, and hair clays.

[0091] Illustrative, but non-limiting, examples of the skin care product that would benefit from inclusion of pigmented particulate MMC material according to the invention include body chamois creams, anti-chafe sticks, liquid chalks and loose chalks.

[0092] Personal care products that can include pigmented particulate MMC material according to the invention include, but are not limited to, cleansing products, such as soaps, shower gels, body washes, facial cleansers, body oils, etc.

[0093] EXAMPLES

[0094] EXAMPLE 1 - Production of pigmented particulate MMC material

[0095] A metal pressure reactor (Biichigasuster, Switzerland) was evacuated and refilled with CO2 to inert the atmosphere within the reaction vessel. 2 L of methanol (MeOH) was added to the reaction vessel and stirring was started. 160 g of magnesium oxide (MgO) was added to the reaction vessel. The CO2 pressure inside the reaction vessel was set to 3 bar and the reaction liquid was stirred for 48 hours.

[0096] The pressure inside the reaction vessel was released to ambient pressure when the reaction liquid started to foam. 0.6 g of iron oxide (Fe3O4) pigment (Making Cosmetics) was weighted and added to 25 mL of the reaction liquid in a 250 mL round bottom glass flask, which was placed in an oil bath of a rotary evaporator. The gelling phase was started by setting the oil bath temperature to 60°C while stirring at a rotation speed of 100 rpm for 2 hours. The carbonated gel was dried in an oven at 80°C for 10 min to obtain pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0097] EXAMPLE 2 - Production of pigmented material MMC material

[0098] A metal pressure reactor (Biichigasuster, Switzerland) was evacuated and refilled with CO2 to inert the atmosphere within the reaction vessel. 2 L of MeOH was added to the reaction vessel and stirring was started. 160 g of MgO was added to the reaction vessel. The CO2 pressure inside the reaction vessel was set to 3 bar and the reaction liquid was stirred for 48 hours.

[0099] The pressure inside the reaction vessel was released to ambient pressure when the reaction liquid started to foam. 0.6 g of activated coal pigment (Organic Markers) was weighted and added to 25 mL of the reaction liquid in a 250 mL round bottom glass flask, which was placed in an oil bath of a rotary evaporator. The gelling phase was started by setting the oil bath temperature to 60°C while stirring at a rotation speed of 100 rpm for 2 hours. The carbonated gel was dried in an oven at 80°C for 10 min to obtain pigmented particulate MMC material.

[0100] EXAMPLE 3 - Production of powder cakes

[0101] Powder cakes were produced by pressing pigmented particulate MMC material from Example 1 (1 g) or Example 2 (1 g) in a Lorenzato LM3 Lab press using 26 mm diameter Al disks at a pressure of 80 bar and holding time of 40 s.

[0102] EXAMPLE 4 - Spectrophotometer measurements

[0103] A spectrophotometer (Spectrophotometer CS-580) was used to measure the color of the powder cakes from Example 3 with the measurement of Cl ELab to determine the parameters lightness (L*), red / green value (a*) and yellow / blue value (b*). Three measurements were performed for each powder cake and the results are presented in Table 1 .

[0104] Table 1 - spectrophotometer measurements EXAMPLE 5 - Ethanol soaking

[0105] This experiment was conducted to see whether the pigment would leach out in a solvent or change in color over time. Accordingly, pigmented particulate MMC material from example 1 (2 g) or example 2 (2 g) were dispersed in 20 mL ethanol. The MMC slurries were transferred to plastic containers and placed on a shaking service set (IKA-VIBRAX_VXR) at < 200 in speed for 3 days.

[0106] The MMC slurries were stirred with a spatula and then transferred to small spray flasks. The MMC slurries were sprayed onto black paper together with a slurry of the same amount of non-pigmented particulate MMC material dispersed in 20 mL ethanol as control. The results are shown in Figs. 1A-1 C for nonpigmented particulate MMC material (Fig. 1A), iron oxide pigmented particulate MMC material (Fig. 1 B) and activated coal pigmented particulate MMC material (Fig. 1 C).

[0107] As is seen in Fig. 1 A, the non-pigmented particulate MMC material appeared as white spots on the black paper. The pigmented particulate MMC material in clear contrast looked nearly black (Figs. 1 B and 1 C).

[0108] To determine the color of the pigmented particulate MMC material after soaking in ethanol for 3 days, the solvent was evaporated from the MMC slurries using a rotary evaporator (R-200, BUCHI Labrotechnik AG, Switzerland) set to 70°C, 300 bar for 4 min with a rotation speed of 60 rpm. The obtained pigmented particulate MMC material were further dried in an oven at 150°C for 10 minutes.

[0109] Powder cakes was produced from the pigmented particulate MMC material as disclosed in example 3 from 0.7 g iron oxide pigmented particulate MMC material and 1 g active carbon pigmented MMC particles. Spectrophotometer measurements were performed as disclosed in example 4 and the results are presented in Table 2.

[0110] Table 2 - spectrophotometer measurements

[0111] There were no significant differences in the color of the powder cakes prior to (Table 1) and following (Table 2) ethanol soaking. The powder cakes appeared black for both pigment types (iron oxide and activated coal). Hence, there was no significant pigment leakage from the pigmented MMC material produced according to Example 1 or 2.

[0112] Examples 1 to 5 showed that it was possible to color the particulate MMC material by adding pigment during the gelling phase of the synthesis. The color of the pigmented particulate MMC material looked almost black and there were no significant differences in color between before and after soaking the pigmented particulate MMC material in ethanol for 3 days.

[0113] EXAMPLE 6 - Production of pigmented particulate MMC material

[0114] 300 mL of MeOH was added to a glass reaction vessel with clear plastic shield and coupling (Andrews Glass Co., USA). The reaction vessel was evacuated and refilled with CO2 to inert the atmosphere and stirring with a magnetic stirrer was started at 500 rpm. 26 g of MgO and 5 g of iron oxide (Fe3O4) pigment (Making Cosmetics) were added to the reaction vessel. The CO2 pressure inside the reaction vessel was set to 3 bar and the reaction liquid was stirred for 24 hours.

[0115] The pressure inside the reaction vessel was slowly released to ambient pressure when the reaction liquid started to foam. 150 mL of the reaction liquid was added to a 500 mL round bottom glass flask, which was placed in a rotary evaporator. The gelling phase was started by setting the oil bath temperature to 60°C while stirring at a rotation speed of 100 rpm for 1 hour. The carbonated gel started to dry by setting the oil bath temperature to 80°C for 1 hour to obtain pigmented particulate MMC material. The pigmented particulate MMC material was further dried by setting the oil bath temperature to 200°C to reduce the methanol content.

[0116] The particulate MMC material produced in Example 6 had similar color characteristics as the particulate MMC material produced in Example 1. In particular, the pigmented particular MMC material appeared nearly black when sprayed onto a black paper as described in Example 4.

[0117] COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE

[0118] This comparative example involved mixing particulate MMC material with different types of pigments in three different mixing techniques. Four sets of sample categories were prepared in the form of pure pigment, dry mixing, wet mixing and oil loading. Pure pigment: To be able to assess the colors of pure pigments, flat surfaces of the pigments were prepared by pressing the pigments into cakes using the Lab press as described in Example 3. Powder cake diameters were 26 mm.

[0119] Activated coal (Organic Makers) and iron oxide (Fe3O4, Making Cosmetics) were sampled and pressed into powder cakes individually and their colors were measured by a spectrophotometer as described in Example 4. The third pigment was FADM60BTB (Cl 77499, Kobo), which is a black viscous slurry composed of iron oxides (Cl 77499), dimethicone, polyethylene glycol (PEG) / propylene glycol (PPG)- 18 / 18 dimethicone, isopropyl titanium triisostearate, triethoxysilylethyl, polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone and tocopheryl acetate. This pigment was transferred to an Eppendorf® tube lid, the surface was evened out with a spatula and the color was measured by the spectrophotometer.

[0120] Dry mixing: Activated coal, iron oxide and particulate MMC material produced as described in Examples 1 and 2 but omitting addition of pigment to the reaction liquid were weighed and each pigment was evenly mixed with the particulate MMC material by means of a Turbula mixer (Willy, A. Bachhofen AG, Switzerland) for 30 minutes, the mixtures were then pressed into powder cakes and individual color was measured by the spectrophotometer.

[0121] Wet mixing: Activated coal, iron oxide, FADM60BTB and the particulate MMC material were weighed and each pigment was dispersed in ethanol and then mixed with the particulate MMC material into a slurry by means of the Turbula mixer for 30 minutes. The ratio between powder and ethanol was set to have a powder content corresponding to 15 % by weight of the total weight. The solvent in the formed slurry was evaporated using a rotary evaporator (R-200, BUCHI Labortechnik AG, Switzerland) followed by evaporation and oven drying according to the parameters listed in Table 3.

[0122] Table 3 - settings for evaporation and oven drying

[0123] The dried mixtures were then pressed into powder cakes using the Lab press and individual color was measured by the spectrophotometer. Oil loading: FADM60BTB and particulate MMC material were weighed and mixed using a pestle and mortar. The mixture surface was then evened out in an Eppendorf® tube lid as previously described and its color was measured by the spectrophotometer.

[0124] Color measurements The results from the color measurements are shown in Table 4 below.

[0125] Table 4 - spectrophotometer measurements

[0126] Solubility and sedimentation analysis Visual observation on the level of solubility (graded 1 to 4 with 1 representing good solubility and 4 representing bad solubility) and sediment (strong vs. light) was performed based on the addition of the mixture of pigment and particulate MMC material (dry, wet) with ethanol. The use of ethanol was selected to determine if the color changed with time while the mixture was soaked in a solvent. The mixtures had soaked in ethanol for three days. Table 5 - solubility and sedimentation

[0127] Slurry analysis To assess how the black the pigment / MMC mixtures had become the ethanol-soaked mixtures were sprayed onto black paper and pictures were taken of the results and are presented in Fig. 2 (2A: dry mixing, activated coal; 2B: wet mixing, activated coal; 2C: dry mixing, iron oxide; 2D: wet mixing, iron oxide, 2E: oil loading, FADM60BTB). The results are summarized in Table 6. Table 6 - visual effects of sprayed pigment / MMC particle mixtures Fig. 2 and Table 6 thereby show that mixing pigment and pre-formed particulate MMC material resulted in off-white spots when sprayed in the form of ethanol-soaked mixtures onto a black background. Thus, the particulate MMC material did not become sufficiently pigmented in this comparative example.

[0128] Powder cake analysis

[0129] The liquid mixtures of each processing type (dry mixing, wet mixing and oil loading) were evaporated through a rotary evaporator into powder forms. The evaporation was performed for the mixtures with activated coal and iron oxide. The powder forms for FADM60BTB were obtained by filtering the liquid mixtures with paper followed by drying in oven. The powders were then pressed using the Lab press into powder cakes as previously described. The results are shown in Fig. 3 (top left to right: dry mixing, activated coal; wet mixing, activated coal; pure activated coal; bottom left to right: dry mixing, iron oxide; wet mixing, iron oxide; pure iron oxide) and presented in Table 7.

[0130] Table 7 - spectrophotometer measurements

[0131] There were significant differences in the color of the powder cakes prior to (Table 4) and following (Table 7) ethanol soaking. Furthermore, the powder cakes appeared grayish rather than black for all pigment types (iron oxide, activated coal, FADM60BTB).

[0132] The conclusions from this comparative example are that mixtures of pre-formed particulate MMC material and pigment had lower color rendering index than pure pigments (appeared grayish rather than black). Further, the mixtures between the particulate MMC material and the pigment resulted in clear visible effects in terms of white dots appearing on the black paper. It can thereby be concluded that the pigment is not able to color the particulate MMC material sufficiently well and that the pigment falls off the particulate MMC material so that the particulate MMC material become visible noticeable.

[0133] The embodiments described above are to be understood as a few illustrative examples of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, different part solutions in the different embodiments can be combined in other configurations, where technically possible. The scope of the present invention is, however, defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of producing a pigmented particulate mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MMC) material, the method comprises: a reaction step (S1) comprising reacting magnesium oxide, MgO, in methanol in a carbon dioxide, CO2, containing atmosphere at a pressure above ambient pressure to form a reaction liquid; a gelling step (S2) comprising gelling the reaction liquid to form a carbonated gel; and a drying step (S4) comprising drying the carbonated gel to form a particulate MMC material, characterized by: adding non-white pigment (S3) during the reaction step (S1) and / or to the reaction liquid prior to and / or during the gelling step (S2), wherein the particulate MMC material is a pigmented particulate MMC material.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that adding non-white pigment (S3) comprises adding (S3) the non-white pigment to the reaction liquid prior to and / or during the gelling step (S2), preferably prior to the gelling step (S2); and the drying step (S4) comprises drying the carbonated gel to form the pigmented particulate MMC material.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reaction step (S1) comprises reacting MgO in methanol comprising the non-white pigment in the CO2 containing atmosphere at the pressure above ambient pressure; and the drying step (S4) comprises drying the carbonated gel to form the pigmented particulate MMC material.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that adding (S3) non-white pigment comprises adding (S3) the non-white pigment at a total amount selected within an interval of from 1 up to 100 % by weight of MgO, preferably selected within an interval of from 5 up to 50 % by weight of MgO, more preferably selected within an interval of from 5 up to 40 % by weight of MgO, and even more preferably selected within an interval of from 10 up to 35 % by weight of MgO.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reaction step (S1) comprises reacting MgO in methanol at a weight ratio of MgO : methanol selected within an interval of from 1 :5 up to 1 :20, preferably selected within an interval of from 1 :8 up to 1 :15, and more preferably selected within an interval of from 1 :10 up to 1 :12.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the CO2-containing atmosphere has a CO2 over pressure of at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 1 bar, and more preferably at least 1 .5 bar above ambient pressure.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reaction step (S1) is performed at a temperature selected within an interval of from 0 up to 40°C, preferably selected within an interval of from 5 up to 40°C and more preferably selected within an interval of from 5 up to 35°C.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reaction step (S1) is performed for a duration selected within an interval of from 4 up to 84 hours, preferably selected within an interval of from 6 up to 72 hours, and more preferably selected within an interval for from 12 up to 60 hours.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gelling step (S2) comprises: reducing the pressure to ambient pressure; and heating the reaction liquid to form the carbonated gel.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that heating the reaction liquid comprises heating the reaction liquid until reaching a target temperature selected within a range of from 40 up to 80°C, preferably selected within an interval of from 40 up to 70°C, and more preferably selected within an interval of from 45 up to 65°C; and the gelling step further comprises: reducing the pressure below ambient pressure when the reaction liquid has reached the target temperature; and stirring for a duration selected with an interval of from 1 up to 10 hours, preferably selected within an interval of from 2 up to 8 hours, and more preferably selected within an interval of from 2 up to 5 hours.11 . The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the drying step (S4) comprises:heating the carbonated gel to a target temperature during a period of time while stirring the carbonated gel; and maintaining the carbonated gel at the target temperature for a drying period while cycling the pressure between ambient pressure and a pressure below ambient pressure, preferably vacuum.

12. The method according to claim 11 , characterized in that the target temperature is selected within an interval of from 150 up to 250°C, preferably selected within an interval of from 175 up to 250°C, and more preferably within an interval of from 200 up to 250°C; and / or the period of time is selected within an interval of from 1 up to 10 hours, preferably within an interval of from 2 up to 8 hours and more preferably selected within an interval of from 3 up to 6 hours; and / or the drying period is selected within an interval of from 10 up 50 hours, preferably selected within an interval of from 20 up to 40 hours and more preferably within an interval of from 25 up to 35 hours.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pigmented particulate MMC material is an amorphous particulate MMC material comprising non-white pigment within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the pigmented particulate MMC material has a total pore volume larger than 0.1 cm3 / g; a specific surface larger than 100 m2 / g; and / or a peak particle size at or below 35 pm.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the non-white pigment is selected from the group consisting of a carbon black pigment, an iron oxide pigment, a chromium dioxide pigment, an ultramarine pigment, a magnesium violet pigment, a ferric ferrocyanide pigment, and any combination thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of a carbon black pigment, an iron oxide pigment, and any combination thereof.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the pigmented particulate MMC material has a color different than the particulate MMC material without any non-white pigment within mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material.

17. A particulate mesoporous magnesium carbonate (MMC) material characterized in that the particulate MMC material is a pigmented particulate MMC material comprising non-white pigment within the mesoporous network of the particulate MMC material.

18. The particulate MMC material according to claim 17, characterized in that the pigmented particulate MMC material is obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A topical composition comprising a particulate MMC material according to claim 18 or 19.

20. A topical product comprising a topical composition according to claim 19.

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