MINERAL
Mica
Mica (CI 77019)
A naturally occurring silicate mineral, ground to a fine powder, used in skincare and colour cosmetics for a soft, pearlescent glow and to give formulas their colour and finish.
Source
The naturally occurring mineral muscovite mica
Used for
A soft, luminous, pearlescent finish
How it works
The mineral behind a soft shimmer.
Mica is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals. The cosmetic grade is a fine white powder obtained from the mineral muscovite mica, made up mainly of potassium aluminium silicate, and it appears on ingredient lists as Mica or by its colour index number, CI 77019.
Mica is valued for the way it handles light. It is grouped with the pearlescent substances, the ingredients that give a product a soft sheen, and in cosmetics its listed functions are colorant, opacifying, bulking and anticaking. In practice that means a gentle, luminous finish on the skin and a smooth, even texture in the formula.
It is used in skincare and makeup, daily as directed by the product.
Mica is valued for the way it handles light. It is grouped with the pearlescent substances, the ingredients that give a product a soft sheen, and in cosmetics its listed functions are colorant, opacifying, bulking and anticaking. In practice that means a gentle, luminous finish on the skin and a smooth, even texture in the formula.
It is used in skincare and makeup, daily as directed by the product.
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01
A naturally occurring silicate mineral, ground to a fine powder
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02
Gives formulas a soft, pearlescent, luminous finish
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Lends a smooth, even texture to skincare and makeup
Questions
What is mica in skincare?
Mica is a naturally occurring silicate mineral. The cosmetic colour additive is a white powder obtained from muscovite mica, consisting mainly of potassium aluminium silicate, and it is listed on labels as Mica or CI 77019. (21 CFR 73.1496; COSMILE Europe)
Why is mica added to skincare?
Mostly for its finish. Mica belongs to the pearlescent substances, so it gives formulas a soft, luminous sheen, and its listed functions in cosmetics are colorant, opacifying, bulking and anticaking. It can lend a gentle glow to a cream or gel as well as to makeup. (COSMILE Europe)
Can mica be used around the eyes?
Yes. Mica is permitted in colour cosmetics generally, including those applied around the eyes, which is why it is such a familiar ingredient in eye makeup. (21 CFR 73.2496)
Where it comes from
Mica is the name for a series of silicate minerals of varying chemical composition, and the European cosmetic ingredient database lists its origin as mineral. (COSMILE Europe)
The mica used to colour cosmetics comes from the mineral muscovite, ground to a very fine powder. (21 CFR 73.1496)
The mica used to colour cosmetics comes from the mineral muscovite, ground to a very fine powder. (21 CFR 73.1496)
The research
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe) cosmetic ingredient database: Mica (a series of silicate minerals; functions: colorant, opacifying, bulking, anticaking; groups: pigments, opacifiers / pearlescent substances; origin: mineral) (opens in a new tab)
- US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Section 73.1496 (Mica): identity, a white powder obtained from the naturally occurring mineral muscovite mica, predominantly a potassium aluminium silicate (opens in a new tab)
- US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Section 73.2496 (Mica): safe for use in colouring cosmetics generally, including cosmetics applied to the area of the eye (opens in a new tab)
Found In
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