A mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Functions
Colorant,
Colorant
Colorants give color to skincare products.
Colorant,
Colorant
Colorants give color to skincare products.
Anticaking,
Anticaking
Anticaking – prevents the formation of clumps.
Anticaking,
Anticaking
Anticaking – prevents the formation of clumps.
Bulking,
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Bulking,
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Opacifying,
Opacifying
Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products.
Opacifying,
Opacifying
Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products.
Slip Modifier
Slip Modifier
Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product.
Slip Modifier
Slip Modifier
Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product.
Origin
Naturally occurring
Naturally occurring
These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.
Naturally occurring
Naturally occurring
These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.
Mica is a mineral powder made up of silicates. This material has several functions, where the main one is acting as a colorant in skincare products. It often features a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products.
Mica also serves as a slip modifier, meaning it causes the product to apply more smoothly and with higher spreadability. In addition, mica can act as an opacifying agent. This simply means that it can provide coverage, such as to blemishes or dark circles.
Within skincare products, mica is relatively safe. The largest safety concern with mica is respiratory irritation when a large amount is present in the air, such as in a manufacturing facility.
Science
1
"Synthetic Mica and Its Applications." Clay Science 12, Supplement 2. 2006. pp. 119-124.
