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Bronze powder

Bronze powder suppliers and sourcing guide

Bronze powder as a color additive is a very fine metallic powder made from alloys mainly of virgin electrolytic copper and zinc, with small amounts of aluminum and tin, and small amounts of stearic or oleic acid as lubricants. The copper-to-zinc ratio sets the shade, from pale gold to rich gold to copper. Cosmetic makers buy it for eye shadow, lipstick, nail polish and other color cosmetics.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Category
Colors
Also known as
Copper-zinc alloy powder · Gold bronze · Brass powder
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of bronze powder

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

  • Pale gold

    Higher-zinc alloys for a light, greenish gold.

  • Rich gold

    Mid-range alloys for a deeper gold.

  • Paste or dispersion

    Bronze flake in oil or solvent for nail polish and liquid products.

  • Stabilized grades

    Flake coated to slow tarnishing in finished products.

What to check on the COA

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

Alloy composition
Copper, zinc, aluminum and tin by ICP or XRF on the washed, dried powder, against the ranges in 21 CFR 73.1646.
Lubricant content
Stearic or oleic acid, limited to 5 percent.
Heavy metals
Cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS against the limits in 21 CFR 73.1646.
Particle size
Maximum particle size of 45 microns for at least 95 percent, by sieve or laser diffraction.
Shade
Color and luster against a retained standard, since alloy ratio and tarnish change the shade.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed and dry, away from acids, moisture and sulfur compounds, which tarnish the alloy; keep away from ignition sources because fine metal powder is combustible. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Shade depends on the alloy ratio and flake size, so record alloy composition for each lot and check against a retained standard. 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.

Bronze powder suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking bronze 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of bronze powder can brands buy?

Common forms include pale gold, rich gold, paste or dispersion and stabilized grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for bronze powder include?

Expect alloy composition, lubricant content, heavy metals, particle size and shade, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should bronze powder be stored?

Store sealed and dry, away from acids, moisture and sulfur compounds, which tarnish the alloy; keep away from ignition sources because fine metal powder is combustible. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification.

What is the regulatory status of bronze powder?

21 CFR 73.1646 describes bronze powder as a very fine metallic powder from alloys principally of virgin electrolytic copper and zinc. 21 CFR 73.2646 permits bronze powder for coloring cosmetics generally, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.1646 requires 70 to 95 percent copper and not more than 30 percent zinc.

More colors

All 48 colors

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