Buzz
You’ve likely seen countless ads for mineral makeup, admiring the flawless results. But have you ever wondered what minerals are actually in those powders and foundations?
iStockphoto/ThinkstockIf you’ve tuned into even a brief infomercial about mineral makeup, you’ve probably mastered the swirling, tapping, and buffing techniques. But what exactly makes up mineral makeup, and how does it differ from conventional powders and foundations?
While some ingredients in mineral makeup might also appear on your regular powder’s label, most traditional cosmetics include preservatives and additional additives alongside mineral components. In contrast, mineral makeup usually consists of just four or five pure minerals, each selected for their unique cosmetic benefits, such as the first key element on our list, whose name alone hints at its ability to make you glow.
5: Mica
Mica, the primary component in most mineral makeup, imparts a radiant glow without the excessive sparkle.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockAchieving luminous skin is a common goal, but finding makeup that delivers a natural shimmer without a glittery overload can be challenging. Mica, the cornerstone of most mineral makeup, provides a subtle shine without the glitter effect.
The term mica originates from the Latin word micare, which means "to shine." Mica minerals can be split into ultra-thin, flexible sheets, retaining their natural brilliance even when finely ground for cosmetic use. Mica powder feels smooth and gentle on the skin, causing no irritation. Typically clear or translucent, mica enhances skin by reflecting light rather than masking imperfections. It also works in harmony with the next ingredients on our list. Keep reading!
4: Zinc Oxide
Indeed, the zinc oxide found in mineral makeup is the same substance lifeguards use to prevent sunburn. In mineral makeup, finely milled zinc oxide offers sun protection without the heavy, white residue. As a broad-spectrum sunscreen (blocking both UVA and UVB rays), zinc also helps conceal blemishes due to its opaque nature.
Similar to mica, zinc is gentle on the skin and non-irritating. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective at calming redness or itchiness. (This is why it’s a common ingredient in diaper rash creams!) Additionally, zinc helps thicken mineral makeup and improves its adherence to the skin, much like the next versatile mineral we’ll discuss.
3: Titanium Dioxide
It reflects light nearly as effectively as mica, blocks both UVA and UVB rays like zinc oxide, and remains on your skin until you cleanse it: It’s no surprise that titanium dioxide is a staple in many mineral makeup products!
Much like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is opaque, allowing it to conceal blemishes, protect against sun damage, and provide even coverage to balance skin tone. It also acts as a thickening agent, helping mineral makeup stay in place. Additionally, titanium dioxide can be used as a colorant to lighten the shade of makeup. While some formulations include either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, many brands incorporate both of these versatile minerals for enhanced benefits.
The minerals we’ve discussed so far are either white or clear, so how does mineral makeup achieve its color? Continue reading to discover the answer.
2: Iron Oxide
The variety of skin-friendly shades in mineral makeup comes from iron oxide, a mineral commonly known as rust. While it might seem odd to associate something as mundane as rust with your go-to foundation, iron oxides have been a staple in cosmetics for hundreds of years.
Iron oxides used in mineral makeup are naturally sourced, purified, and finely ground before being added to cosmetic products. They come in a spectrum of earthy tones, such as reds, yellows, oranges, browns, and blacks, and are frequently used in powders, blushes, bronzers, foundations, and eyeshadows.
Similar to most ingredients in mineral makeup, iron oxide is hypoallergenic. However, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid the next mineral we’ll discuss.
Depending on the brand, you might notice ingredients on the label that didn’t make our list. Some mineral makeup includes lauroyl lysine, an amino acid derived from coconut oil that ensures smoother application, or kaolin clay, which helps absorb excess oil. While some purists argue that kaolin clay can be too drying or that amino acids don’t belong in mineral makeup, we believe the best approach is to find the product that suits your needs and stick with it!
1: Bismuth Oxychloride
Bismuth oxychloride imparts a luminous, pearlescent glow to mineral makeup. Derived from bismuth, a brittle metal that appears white or silvery-pink, it undergoes a chemical process involving chlorine and oxygen to form bismuth oxychloride. While many brands appreciate its smooth texture and delicate metallic shimmer, others avoid it due to concerns about potential irritation or allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Naturally, bismuth is non-toxic, leading some to believe that any irritants in the final product may stem from the refining process rather than the mineral itself. However, since mica provides comparable benefits without the risk of adverse reactions, many manufacturers opt to exclude bismuth oxychloride to ensure safety.
