In this work, zinc phosphates were prepared from zinc nitrate and phosphoric acid at various Zn/P ratios as a novel white pigment for use in cosmetics. The chemical composition, powder properties, photocatalytic activity, color phase, moisture retention, and smoothness of the zinc phosphates were studied. Samples prepared at Zn/P = 2/1, 3/2, and 1/1 indicated XRD pattern of Zn3(PO4)2•4H2O. The plane particles were observed in SEM images of sample prepared at Zn/P = 2/1, 3/2 and 1/1. The photocatalytic activity of these zinc phosphate particles was too less to protect the sebum on the skin. The materials prepared at Zn/P = 2/1, 3/2 and 1/1 and their thermal products at 100 °C showed a high reflectance within the range of visible light. Samples prepared at high Zn/P ratio indicated small MIU value.
white pigment; zinc phosphates; Zn/P ratio; photocatalytic activity; particle shape
