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A question we often hear is: Can I use mica powder in cosmetics like eyeshadows, lip gloss or foundation? The answer is yes! 100% But it&#;s important that you choose a cosmetic grade mica powder.
In short, cosmetic grade mica powder is a fine pigment that can be used in makeups, skincare and bath products. To be considered cosmetic grade, mica powder must be:
Cosmetic grade micas can penetrate a 100-mesh sieve.
Micas for cosmetics must have less than 20 ppm of lead and 3 ppm of arsenic to be cosmetic grade.
Micas used in cosmetics and lip-safe mica powders tend to have particle sizes below 150 microns.
We&#;re taking a closer look at mica powders for cosmetics, including what types of projects they can be used for, if mica is safe for use, and the ethical concerns of mica powder.
Cosmetic Grade Mica Powder: Common Uses
Often referred to as &#;nature&#;s glitter,&#; mica is a mineral with natural light-reflecting properties. Mica is widely used in cosmetics, thanks to its ability to add natural shimmer and create a softer, more radiant hue.
Mica is available in different particle sizes, and this is important for creating cosmetics. The particle size refers to how fine or coarse the powder is, and different particle sizes create different looks, from silky satin, to ultra-glam shimmer. As a result, mica powder is used in a wide range of cosmetics, including:
Lip balms and lipstick
Eyeshadow
Nail polish
Foundation
Eyeliner
Bath bombs and body scrubs
Mascara
Blush
Body and hair glitter
&#;&#; See mica project ideas (including recipes for cosmetics) and our soapmaking mica guide for tips and techniques.
Is Mica Powder Safe for Cosmetics?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, mica is a color additive exempt from certification that is safe to use in cosmetics, skin care products and is lip-safe. Similarly, a review of synthetic mica by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel found mica to be safe in cosmetics.
Ultimately, you should look for mica powders that have been colored with natural oxides or D&C dyes. All of Slice of the Moon&#;s mica powders are:
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Mica Powder Wholesale.
Non-Toxic
Heavy Metal-Free
Vegan
Cosmetic Grade
Are All Micas Lip-Safe? The majority of mica powders are lip-safe and can be used in lip gloss or lipsticks. Yet, micas colored with chromium oxide green or ultramarine are not deemed lip-safe by the FDA (although micas using these colors are lip-safe in Europe). However, these colorants are FDA approved for face and skincare products.
Choosing A Mica Powder: Considerations
Mica powders are either natural or synthetic. Natural mica is a naturally occurring mineral, which is then colored with oxides or D&C dyes. Synthetic mica, on the other hand, is a lab-created mineral that mimics the properties of natural mica.
Which is better for cosmetics? Both natural and synthetic micas are considered cosmetic grade. However, some prefer synthetics for their:
Color purity
Smoothness
Uniformity of particle size
Natural mica powder, on the other hand, is made from natural muscovite mineral crystals. Because it's made from muscovite, natural mica powder tends to have varying particle sizes (although most are under 150 microns), and the shimmer qualities can vary, as well.
Yet, natural mineral micas are a popular choice for natural makeup products, as well as for their subtle shimmer quality.
Ethically Sourced Micas
Another reason some prefer synthetic micas is due to ethical concerns of natural mica. In countries where mica is abundant, some mines rely on child and inhumane labor practices. Although this is starting to improve, it's important that you source natural mica from a ethical, child-labor free mica company.
At Slice of the Moon, we take this issue seriously. All of our natural micas are ethically sourced. Nowhere in the sourcing, mining, production of our products is child labor utilized. We are third-party audited.
Shop Cosmetic Grade Mica Powders at Slice of the Moon
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A little goes a long way! When starting out, stir a small amount of mica powder into your base to see the resulting shade, then add more until you achieve the desired color. Different amounts of the same mica powder can result in a wide range of hues, so it may take some adjustments and testing to achieve your desired color.
For small batch projects, we recommend using microscoops or the smallest measuring spoon you have around. Keep track of the scoops used so you can replicate your results in the future. You can find crafting microscoops online by using the search term &#;microscoop.&#; Remember, don&#;t use crafting tools for food preparation after using them for crafting purposes.
The color and opacity of your base factors into color payoff, with more translucent bases resulting in more vibrant colors. The natural color of the base affects the final color after mica is added; yellow bases like beeswax will retain their yellow tint and white bases will result in more pastel hues.
Are you surprised that we didn&#;t recommend measuring on a scale? If you&#;re familiar with making candles or using fragrance oil and essential oil, you know that we always recommend measuring materials on a scale. Like fragrance oils and essential oils, mica powders vary in density. While weighing materials that vary in density is a more accurate method, the weight of mica needed for many small-batch projects simply won&#;t register on many scales.
To weigh mica powders, you need a scale that measures in 0.01 gram increments, like a jewelry or cosmetics scale. Cold process soap and cosmetics makers often work with small weights like this.
While weighing mica powder is the best way to ensure accuracy, it&#;s okay for beginners to start out by measuring with scoops or teaspoons. If you graduate to larger batches, we recommend upgrading your scale and measuring by weight.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Ferro Silicon. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.