Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Diacosm (Nano Diamond Powder Additive for Cosmetics)

Teaser

Appsilon adresses the lack of innovation, health issue and efficiency problem we identified in cosmetics market. The health concern of the community is the upmost importance of both society and the industry, and cosmetics are one of the most sustainable and high capacity...

Summary

Appsilon adresses the lack of innovation, health issue and efficiency problem we identified in cosmetics market.

The health concern of the community is the upmost importance of both society and the industry, and cosmetics are one of the most sustainable and high capacity market in today’s consumer society. Some of the most common ingredients in cosmetics, like retinol and other antioxidants, are highly unstable, very vulnerable and can cause breakouts. Identifying the needs of the market, Appsilon provides a new and innovative material for the cosmetics industry, Diacosm Nano Diamond Powders.

Also, an organic trend is sweeping the consumer society against chemical compounds in the market. Apart from organic perception, the trend also includes a lean towards products acknowledged as “premium”. Additionally, health and environmental impacts are decisive in buying patterns. Consumers also require to know the origin and the impact of the product they buy on communities and environment. Due the high competition within the cosmetics industries, producers have begun including more active compounds and different additive (Gold, Caviar, Diamond, etc.) in order to keep up with competition and to show a unique differentiation point, which led to increased costs and reduced profits. A novel approach is required to reduce costs, improve efficiency of cosmetics product and ensuring its safety.

The objective of Diacosm is to produce high quality nano diamond particles which are used in high-end, luxurious cosmetics. With our innovative and unique technology, we are able to produce nano diamond particles with affordable cost at very high quality and purity. Since our diamond particle has very low impurities, hence it can be preferred by the millennials who care about the environment and healthy products. Our lab grown diamond is traceable and hence it is ethical and cruelty-free unlike the mined diamonds. We are capable to be the only producer for diamond powder in Europe.

These objectives will provide the companies with, more performance with reduced costs, a high-level product positioning due to the diamond, more added value and exclusivity in the market. The bussinesses will benefit from a marketable innovative additive, an efficient and high purity material and affordable costs relative to the high-end luxury section.The final consumer, the society, will benefit from more performance for the money, satisfaction of using a premium product, and most importantly, a product that provides a more healthy experience.

Work performed

• In cosmetics, a need for an innovative idea is discovered and it is identified as nano diamond. the market research showed the added value of the diamond powder in cosmetics is up to 500-1000 EUR in a product line. The market needs an innovation to cater to the needs and requests of the consumer.
• Positive effect of diamond additive in cosmetics product is proven scientifically.
An academic literature research showed that the diamond is biocompatible and non-accumulative in tissue. Particle size is one of the critical properties, in which we discovered that we can control the particle size.
• Result showed that there is a market opportunity. Research and development efforts led to identification of the methods and contents for surface modification of diamond.
It is identified that the health topic is very significant in introducing new particles in the market. Therefore, purification of the powder is important, which we achieved by 2-step purification method developed inhouse. Purity level of our powders are at ppb (parts per billion) levels and limited to aluminium, copper and oxygen impurities.
• Formulations are identified and plans for the tests are carried out.
2 starting formulations were developed. Cream formula is created as a proof of concept to show that Diacosm diamond powders work well within a final product, and an additive formula to demonstrate the Diacosm final product (additive form), dispersion of the powder and non-aggromelation in a time-frame.

We conducted a size and a purity test at on chinese diamond powders;
• Zeta Sizer Particle Size Analysis: Powder description stated the particle size is 100 nm. Test results came out the while less than 40% of the powder were between 100-200 nm size, rest was much higher sized, up to 1-8 micron (1000-8000 nm) dimensions were present.
• XPS (X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) Analysis: This content analysis was done to determine the impurties. The chinese powders contained; Aluminium, Cobalt, Silica, Iron, Magnesium, Cadmium (toxic), Zinc, Chromium (toxic), Nickel (toxic), Copper, Sodium, Potassium, Lead (toxic), Chlorine.

Appsilon also certificates every diamond that is cut into a jewelry. The GIA and HRD certificates we get are valid worldwide and the industry standart. Our diamond powders, produced from the jewelry cuts and reaction products are also possess the same properties as our certified diamonds, therefore the certificates are also valid for Diacosm diamond powders in terms of quality, purity and exclusivity. Appsilon also values environmental ethical values of the community. Therefore, our certificates state that how, where and when the diamonds are produced, unlike other diamond powders in the market coming from african soil mining, far-ocean floor drilling or chinese sweat-shops, where the origin, ethical perspective and environmental impact cannot be understood. With Diacosm certified diamonds, our products will be tracable in every aspect regarding the consumer’s core values.

The targeted customers are major brands. They already have their well-known brands and marketing advantage. We identified that B2C marketing, which is dependent on brand recognition, is an unfeasible way to enter the market. We chose to opt for B2B, supplying a product that is cost-feasible and easy to use to avoid branding.

Final results

In the market, there is no nano diamond powder and its application which are able to provide the innovative advantages our diamond powder can provide. Because our production method, MPCVD method, which is used for only high quality, gem worthy diamond jewelry production, and only a handful of MPCVD users are present, in which none of them are producing gem quality nano diamond powder at the moment.

Expected results form Diacosm are;

- High purity gem-grade diamond powder. This will bring a sense of premium feeling in the products for the consumer.
- Very low impurities, no toxic or heavy metals compared to common chinese powders. It will provide a healthier experience, both benefiting the consumer and the bussiness.
- High performance and dispersion. This will benefit the bussiness\' technical work-load during formulation with Diacosm diamond powders.
- Relatively low market-entry price of 120 EUR/gram will let bussinesses enjoy the high-added value the Diacosm Diamond Powders will bring.

Diacosm is specificaly developed to tackle the identified problems in the cosmetics market. Appsilon, introducing Diacosm Diamond Powders, will present the cosmetics industry and the consumer with a fresh, high quality and high value product that will benefit both sides. We believe beauty should not be the source of anxiety, should be the source of confidence for everyone.

Website & more info

More info: https://www.appsilonscientific.com/.