Bismuth Subnitrate Powder is one of those quietly essential cosmetic ingredients that rarely gets the spotlight but makes a visible difference in every formulation it touches. A high-purity inorganic compound (Bi₅O(OH)₉(NO₃)₄), it appears as a fine, brilliant white, odorless powder with a uniquely smooth, silky texture that translates directly into the feel and finish of the products it’s incorporated into.
In face powders and foundations, it acts as an opacifying agent and soft-focus pigment — diffusing light across the skin surface to reduce the appearance of pores and imperfections while delivering the dry, matte finish that modern makeup consumers expect. Its fine particle size ensures smooth, even spreadability, and its inert, skin-compatible profile makes it suitable for both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. For formulators building premium face powders, compact foundations, or pharmaceutical topical preparations, Bismuth Subnitrate is a reliable, high-performance ingredient that delivers consistently.
Key Benefits
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Smooth, Matte Finish – provides a soft-focus, matte appearance that reduces shine and refines skin texture
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Texture Enhancement – improves spreadability and gives formulations a silky, premium skin feel
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Opacifying Agent – adds coverage and opacity to face powders, foundations & skin-tone products
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Light Diffusion – scatters light to minimize the appearance of pores and surface imperfections
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Antimicrobial Support – contributes to product hygiene in pharmaceutical and topical formulations
Applications
- Face powders & compact powders
- Foundations, BB creams & tinted formulations
- Cosmetic formulations requiring opacity & matte finish
- Pharmaceutical preparations & topical formulations
- Wound care & dermatological applications
- Veterinary applications
Recommended Usage Levels
| Application |
Usage Level |
| Face Powders |
2% – 10% |
| Foundations |
1% – 5% |
| Cosmetic Formulations |
1% – 8% |
Technical Profile
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INCI: Bismuth Subnitrate
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Chemical Formula: Bi₅O(OH)₉(NO₃)₄
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Appearance: Fine white crystalline powder
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Odor: Odorless
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Type: Inorganic compound / opacifying agent / mattifying agent
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Solubility: Insoluble in water
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Grade: Cosmetic / Pharmaceutical
Formulation Tips
Incorporate into the powder phase of formulations by dry-blending with other powders (talc, mica, silica) for uniform distribution. For pressed powders and compact foundations, blend thoroughly before pressing to ensure even coverage and consistent texture. In pharmaceutical preparations, follow applicable regulatory guidelines for concentration limits. Avoid prolonged exposure to strong acids. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light to maintain purity and performance.
