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Aluminum powder

Aluminum powder suppliers and sourcing guide

Aluminum powder as a color additive is made of finely divided particles of virgin aluminum, free from other substances, usually produced by atomizing molten metal and milling it into flakes. It gives a bright silver metallic effect. Cosmetic makers buy it as a powder or paste for eye shadow, eyeliner, nail polish and other externally applied products, and it is also permitted in externally applied drugs.

Category
Colors
Also known as
CI 77000 · Aluminum flake · Aluminium powder
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of aluminum powder

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Powder

    Fine aluminum flake that meets the mesh requirements in 21 CFR 73.1645.

  • Paste

    Aluminum flake wetted with a solvent or oil to cut dust and fire risk, for nail polish and liquid products.

  • Coated grades

    Flake treated to reduce reactivity and ease dispersion in cosmetics.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Aluminum assay
Aluminum content, required to be not less than 99 percent.
Fineness
Sieve analysis: 100 percent through a 200-mesh screen and 95 percent through 325-mesh.
Heavy metals
Mercury, arsenic and lead by ICP-MS against the limits in 21 CFR 73.1645.
Appearance
Brightness and sparkle against a retained standard.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed and dry, away from water, acids, alkalis and ignition sources; fine aluminum powder is combustible and can react with moisture to release hydrogen. Follow the supplier SDS for dust control and grounding. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Particle size and brightness vary between lots, so check each lot against a retained standard and record sieve results. Rotate stock first-in, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Aluminum powder suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking aluminum powder suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell aluminum powder? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of aluminum powder can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, paste and coated grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for aluminum powder include?

Expect aluminum assay, fineness, heavy metals and appearance, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should aluminum powder be stored?

Store sealed and dry, away from water, acids, alkalis and ignition sources; fine aluminum powder is combustible and can react with moisture to release hydrogen. Follow the supplier SDS for dust control and grounding. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification.

What is the regulatory status of aluminum powder?

21 CFR 73.1645 requires the color additive to be finely divided particles of virgin aluminum, free from admixture with other substances. 21 CFR 73.2645 permits aluminum powder in externally applied cosmetics, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.1645 requires 100 percent to pass a 200-mesh screen, 95 percent a 325-mesh screen, and not less than 99 percent aluminum.

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