Taklon is the common name for a synthetic fiber used in artist-quality paint, makeup, shaving and pin stripe brushes.
It is a smooth, soft, and somewhat fragile polyester derivative devoid of any protein component or allergen elements and is therefore used in the cosmetic industries as a "green," "vegan," "allergy free" or synthetic alternative to animal hair brushes.
[1] DuPont invented the process for making Taklon, in which a polyester fiber known as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate)[2] is extruded and tapered to a fine point.
Toray Chemical Co. of Osaka, Japan, acquired the process[3] and the rights to make Taklon, which was originally designed to mimic the handling characteristics of natural sable.
Diameter variation in the Taklon fibers creates more space between the filaments, allowing the brush to carry more liquid.