• Provides matte finish and oil control in creams and powders
• Acts as an opacifying and thickening agent
• Improves product texture and spreadability
• Reduces greasiness in oily skin formulations
• Non-comedogenic and non-toxic for topical use

Bismuth Subnitrate – Opacifying & Mattifying Agent for Skincare and Makeup

 Bismuth Subnitrate is a fine, white powder primarily used in cosmetics for its opacifying, mattifying, and thickening properties. It provides a smooth, powdery texture to formulations and helps reduce shine and oiliness, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types. Unlike Bismuth Oxychloride (often used in mineral makeup), Bismuth Subnitrate is non-reflective, giving a natural matte finish in creams, ointments, and pressed powders.

INCI Name: Bismuth Subnitrate

CAS Number: 1304-85-4

Solubility: Insoluble in water and oils

Add Phase: Post-emulsion or during cooling phase

pH Stability: Stable in pH 3.5 – 8.0

Processing Temperature: Below 60°C

Appearance: White or off-white fine powder

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Formula: Bi₅O(OH)₉(NO₃)₄

Molecular Weight: ~1461.96 g/mol

Flash Point: Non-flammable

Density: ~4.92 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Inorganic salt

Functional Groups: Nitrate, Bismuth

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Mattifiers, pressed powders, oil-control creams, sunscreen pastes

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10%
• Phase: Add during cool-down or powder blending phase
• Ideal For: Face creams, primers, loose powders, sunscreens

✨ Mix Bismuth Subnitrate with Kaolin Clay or Zinc Oxide to create oil-absorbing masks or medicated powders for oily and acne-prone skin.

✔️ Best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

✔️ Safe for daily facial use

✔️ Not recommended for very dry or sensitive skin in high concentrations

1. Mattifying Face Cream

Use 3–5% for a light-diffusing, oil-absorbing effect in daily moisturizers.

2. Mineral Primer

Add 5–8% in loose or pressed primers for a silky, matte base.

3. BB or CC Creams

Use as an opacifier to reduce transparency and improve blendability.

4. Natural Sunscreen Paste

Combine with zinc oxide and butters for high-coverage matte sunblock.

5. Healing Creams and Ointments

Traditionally used in mild antiseptic pastes and barrier ointments.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not compatible with water-light formulations.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds matte effect and thickness.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not dispersible in watery bases.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances oil absorption and texture.



Cleansers
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can be added to creamy cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – No benefit in hair care.



Deodorants
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Used in some powder-based deodorants.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Not ideal unless for brightening/mattifying.



Shampoos
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Insoluble in water-based surfactants.



Soaps
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – May cloud clarity and clog pour processes.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – No function in rinse-off conditioners.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can be used for whitening or opacity in medicated balms.



Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Useful for oil control in body balms.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Traditional use in healing pastes.

Q1: Is Bismuth Subnitrate the same as Bismuth Oxychloride?

A1: No — this is a non-reflective mattifying powder, not used for shimmer like Bismuth Oxychloride.

Q2: Is it safe for facial use?

A2: Yes — in appropriate concentrations (1–5%), it’s non-toxic and non-irritating for facial care.

Q3: Can it replace talc?

A3: Yes — it’s often used as a talc alternative for mattifying and oil-control properties.