bare-essentials-makeup | mineral makeup

Mineral Makeup might sound natural and harmless to your skin, but understanding Mineral Makeup Ingredients is an important step to choosing the right Mineral Makeup to purchase. Using this list and you will be able to make your own choices about Mineral Makeup and the ingredients you are happy to put on your skin.

Titanium Dioxide: One of the most major ingredients in Mineral Makeup, Titanium Dioxide is used as a thickener and a pigment. It is also commonly found in a variety of manufactured products, from paper to toothpaste. In mineral makeup it offers some sun protection (and is also used in sunscreen), helps makeup adhere to skin and has a high coverage rating.

Zinc Oxide: Also commonly used in Mineral Makeup, zinc oxide also offers some sun protection and is also calming on irritated skin. It helps makeup adhere to skin.

Mica: Used to reflect light and minimize the appearance of pores, mica offers mid range skin adhesion properties. Mica is translucent and often used in foundations and eye shadows and blush generally.

Magnesium Stearate: Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral and Stearic acid is derived from vegetable oils. Magnesium Stearate provides a medium coverage, consistency, texture and opacity and provides high adhesion properties.

Bismuth Oxide: An often controversial ingredient in Mineral Makeup Bismuth Oxide is known to cause skin irritation in some people. It is normally used to add sheen and lustre. Many people avoid this ingredient but it is used by many people and often some of the bigger more commercial brands of mineral makeup.

Talc: Another controversial ingredient in mineral makeup, talc is used in some brands of mineral makeup. While talc is safer now than in the past, if concerned over its use, then be sure to purchase talc free mineral Makeup.
 
Silica: Used for absorbency in oil control products, Silica is often found in mineral makeup. It has light scattering properties to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Silica has been used successfully in hypoallergenic formulations for sensitive skin. Be wary of “Amorphous Hydrated Silica” or “Crystalline Silica” as these particular silica’s are considered to be carcinogenic.

Kaolin Clay: Also known as China Clay, this offers great adhesion, high absorption and a creamy texture. Kaolin Clay is also used to reduce shine.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is considered safe, but its downfall is, that as it is a vegetable extract it has a shelf life. Cornstarch has also been known to cause irritation in some people, and it does not offer any sun protection. It is fine to be included in mineral makeup, but must include an expiration date.

Rice Powder: It does not have an expiration date as long as it is kept in a airtight container. Gives skin a porcelain, shine free finish, although it has slow oil absorbing properties so is great for sensitive and dry skins.

100%  Pure Silk: Silk is a natural moisturiser, traps oil, offers sunburn, windburn and other burns relief, has healing properties and is considered a dry skin aid. Silk powders can be very soothing and leave your face feeling silky (literally!).

Boron Nitride: Has antibacterial properties and offers good makeup adherence.

Allantoin: Is considered to be protective to the skin. It is thought to help increase skin regeneration.

Iron Oxides: Generally used as pigments in mineral makeup, cosmetic grade iron oxides have been oxidized to remove harmful heavy metals.

Ultramarine Colors: Can be used in some foundations, and often in eye and cheek colors. It is worth noting that some countries ban the use of ultramarine colors in products for use on lips. Keep this in mind if applying face colors to your lip area.

Variety of Oils and Fragrances: Added by some companies, are not necessary but are liked by some people. Oils and fragrances can shorten the shelf life and cause irritation or allergic reaction, so read labels carefully.

Just as with other cosmetics, the list of possible ingredients in Mineral Makeup is large. What is mentioned above is by no means exhaustive, but are the most common and essential ingredients used in mineral makeup.

Check ingredients labels carefully and do your own research. There are many companies that claim to be selling mineral makeup that are, in reality full of chemical extra’s. Any ingredients not mentioned above are possibly not mineral derivatives, and not all companies use or condone the use of all of the ingredients contained in this list.

While it might seem confusing, once you narrow down the chemically based so called “mineral” makeup, and find the real mineral makeup finding your favourite and perfect match is loads of fun.
 

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