What Is Boron nitride?

Learn about the absorbent, opacifying, and skin conditioning characteristics of Boron nitride and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Boron nitride? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Boron nitride?

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Boron nitride is a substance that can be used in cosmetics. It helps absorb moisture, makes products look less transparent (opacifying), and conditions the skin. It comes in a dry powder form and is insoluble, which means it doesn't dissolve in water or other liquids. Boron nitride is also known as azanylidyneborane.

What is the purpose of Boron nitride in personal care products? It is used for its absorbent, opacifying, and skin conditioning characteristics. Boron nitride absorbs liquid, reduce cosmetic transparency, and moisturizes and strengthens skin.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Boron Nitride, Nitriloborane, and Boron nitride (BN).

What Are Absorbent Ingredients?

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Boron nitride has absorbent characteristics.

Absorbent ingredients are substances added to products to help them absorb moisture or oil. For example, in a face powder, absorbent ingredients like talc or silica help to absorb excess oil on the skin and give a matte finish. In deodorants, absorbent ingredients like baking soda or cornstarch helps to absorb sweat and moisture.

Besides cosmetic items, absorbent ingredients are found in other products like diapers. Super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) help keep babies dry by quickly absorbing and locking away moisture.

Types of Absorbent Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of absorbent ingredients in cosmetics:

  • Powders: Cosmetics may contain a variety of powders, such as talc, cornstarch, or silica, which can help to absorb excess oil or moisture from the skin.

  • Clays: Natural clays, such as kaolin or bentonite, are often used in cosmetics as they can absorb excess oil and unwanted substances from the skin.

  • Charcoal: Activated charcoal is sometimes used in cosmetics as it can absorb impurities and toxins from the skin.

  • Gels: Some gels, such as aloe vera gel, can have absorbent properties and may be used in cosmetics to help soothe and moisturize the skin.

  • Polymers: Certain polymers, such as polyacrylates or cross-linked polyethylene, can be used in cosmetics to absorb excess moisture from the skin or to create a smooth, matte finish.

What Are Opacifying Ingredients?

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Boron nitride has opacifying characteristics.

Opacifying ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic products to reduce transparency or translucency. These ingredients create a white or opaque appearance in the product, which helps hide imperfections and blemishes on the skin. Some opacifying ingredients also have the added benefit of providing a matte finish, which can be desirable for those with oily or combination skin.

Opacifying ingredients can be found in various cosmetic products, including foundations, powders, and concealers. These ingredients can be synthetic or naturally derived, including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and kaolin clay.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

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Boron nitride has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.