Abstract
Synthetic colours used in cosmetics are a point of concern, and biotechnology has, to a certain extent, helped to resolve this problem. The present study aimed to integrate dyes from a natural extract, the black ink of cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, after purification, in black eye make-up products (mascara and eyeshadow). Analyses showed differences in the chemical composition of treated and untreated forms of sepia black ink. Indeed, remarkable reductions in total mineral load, water content and proteins (79.3, 58.22 and 44% respectively) were noted. Treated sepia black ink had a low content of analytes. Very satisfactory results were obtained in terms of the level of aspect, texture, colour and covering capacity of the formulated cosmetic products. Moreover, the addition of S.officinalis black ink to iron oxide and black bone dyes improved the level of colour, spread and covering capacity of mascara and eyeshadow.