What is Cosmetic Mica?

I have heard of child labour being used in mining and negative effects on the skin!

NATURAL MICA:

The mica group is a group of naturally occurring minerals. They represents 37 phyllosilicate minerals that have a layered or platy texture. The commercially important micas are muscovite and phlogopite, which are used in a variety of applications.

SYNTHETIC MICA:

Synthetic mica aims to replicate the effect and appearance of the Natural Mica, whilst alleviating the negative or toxic minerals that can be found in some naturally occurring minerals and also the human rights conditions and concerns associated with some of the mining of natural micas

Synthetic Mica is the name generally used for a range of glistening pigments - blended together creating Sparkly colour in other products.

They can be used in soap making. Bathing Crystals, bath bombs or make up.  

Synthetic Mica may produce more vivid colours and actually be brighter than than naturally occurring mica. A skin added bonus is that synthetic Mica does not contain any sharp edges that may microscopically tear or damage the skin.

Some companies claim traceable mica that is mined without the use of child labour however the supply chain of this has proven somewhat difficult. As such it is easier purchasing a synthetic variety to avoid human rights violations.

Synthetic mica is also sometimes labelled as “synthetic fluorphlogopite”. This relates to a synthetic mica which is generally white or grey in appearance. Covered evenly with titanium dioxide, (naturally occurring white pigment), this blending gives the appearance of a pearl like sparkle and shine, enhancing colours when used in combination with other synthetic mica pigments.

WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC?

By utilising certified synthetic and natural mica, we can ensure they  are free from PET plastic glitter.

As such, they are biodegradable,  safe pigments with no concerns regarding landfill, or waterways concerns.

Plastic glitters are often known as microplastics or microbeads.

Ultimately, these end up in the food chain in oceans. A huge concern is the presence of plastics in our oceans and consumption by marine life and the health of ocean ecosystems.

Should you require a lovely natural and completely biodegradable exfoliant in your skin and body products, we also offer a finely ground organic rice powder. As well as being biodegradable, it is organic and nourishes the skin. Should it find its way into the ocean, it will simply provide organic food for the oceans.

By utilising cosmetic grade glitter you will achieve perfect colours in your products, they are stable and will not bleed or migrate like many craft glitters, clean up is easier, and they are far less irritating on the skin.

BIODEGRADABLE GLITTER

Biodegradable glitter is generally made using cellulose from plants, hence it is PET free

It is fairly colour stable although can fade and bleed in high PH products, it is sometimes not colour stable in acrylics and nail polish, which will require the cosmetic grade glitter.

It requires various components to break down and will usually be fine kept in a dry jar, although it is best is a cool, dark storage.

LUSTRES

Edible products and lip balms require the addition of lustres rather than Mica. Lustres are a blending of food colourings and synthetic mica. We offer a range of edible lustres that are perfect in your lip balms.

*Please note, this information is provided to the best of our knowledge and for informational purposes only. Individuals must determine the suitability of these products for their own specific purposes and information may be changed/updated as new situations come to light. We encourage individuals to seek independent advice.