Mica
Category: Pigment
Brief description: A naturally occurring mineral often used for its shimmery effect.
Benefits: Provides a glittery or pearlescent effect in products like eyeshadow, highlighter, and lipstick.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Suitable for all skin types, though some people may find the glittery effect irritating.
Target audience: Any cosmetics user looking for products with a shimmery or sparkly effect.
Chemical composition: A group of sheet silicate (phyllosilicate) minerals.
Physical aspect: Shiny, thin flakes or sheets.
Compatibility: Compatible with most other cosmetic ingredients.
Concentration: Varies depending on the product and desired effect.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Rarely cause irritation or other adverse reactions, unless the user is allergic.
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., EU, and many other regions.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Mica mining has been associated with child labor and poor working conditions in some regions. Some brands are making efforts to use only ethically-sourced mica.
Brief description: A naturally occurring mineral often used for its shimmery effect.
Benefits: Provides a glittery or pearlescent effect in products like eyeshadow, highlighter, and lipstick.
Skin type suitability/concerns: Suitable for all skin types, though some people may find the glittery effect irritating.
Target audience: Any cosmetics user looking for products with a shimmery or sparkly effect.
Chemical composition: A group of sheet silicate (phyllosilicate) minerals.
Physical aspect: Shiny, thin flakes or sheets.
Compatibility: Compatible with most other cosmetic ingredients.
Concentration: Varies depending on the product and desired effect.
Side effects/adverse reactions: Rarely cause irritation or other adverse reactions, unless the user is allergic.
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics in the U.S., EU, and many other regions.
Sustainability/ethical considerations: Mica mining has been associated with child labor and poor working conditions in some regions. Some brands are making efforts to use only ethically-sourced mica.
Read more
Pigmentation
Iron Oxides (Red, Yellow, Black)
Iron Oxides: Inorganic pigments used in cosmetics for color. Safe and versatile.
Read more