Foundation can darken primarily due to oxidation caused by ingredients like oil and the influence of light, as well as interaction with skin's natural oils.
Understanding Foundation Darkening
Foundation darkening, often referred to as "oxidizing," is a common issue where the shade of your foundation changes after application, appearing darker or more orange than when it was first applied. Based on the provided information, there are key reasons for this phenomenon:
Influence of Sebum and Oil
- Makeup Dissolving: When skin's natural sebum (oil) combines with the liquid foundation, it can interact with the product. This combination can make the liquid foundation appear more transparent and contribute to a darker look, essentially "dissolving" or altering the pigments on the skin.
- Oil Oxidation: The oxidation of the oil itself in liquid foundation causes darkening. Oils present in the foundation formulation react with oxygen, leading to a chemical change that alters the color pigments, making them appear darker.
Influence of Light
- Light Oxidation: Liquid foundation has a tendency to be oxidized under light, which can cause darkening. Exposure to light, whether natural sunlight or artificial, can accelerate the oxidation process within the foundation formula, particularly affecting its pigments and oils.
Key Causes Summary
Here's a quick summary of the factors mentioned:
- Interaction with Sebum: Skin's oil combines with foundation, potentially making it look transparent and dark.
- Oil Oxidation: Oils in the foundation formula react with oxygen, causing darkening.
- Light Exposure: Light accelerates the oxidation of foundation, leading to darkening.
Understanding these factors can help explain why your foundation might change color after application.
