Pearl essence is a shimmery, iridescent substance that is used to add sparkle and luminosity to cosmetics. It is made from the scales of freshwater fish, primarily the bleak fish.
Here's how it works:
* Guanine: The scales of these fish contain a substance called guanine, which reflects light in a shimmering, pearlescent way.
* Extraction: The scales are collected and processed to extract the guanine.
* Pigment: This extracted guanine is then used as a pigment in cosmetics, giving them their shimmering effect.
While pearl essence has been used for centuries, there are now synthetic alternatives available. These alternatives are often considered more ethical and environmentally friendly.