Minerals in Makeup

What is a mineral? Minerals are substances formed naturally by the earth through a geological process, they are naturally occurring. They are solids that have a crystal structure. There are many different types of minerals but the most common minerals used in cosmetics are silicates (Mica) and Oxides (typically synthetic). Not all minerals are the same because some can be synthetically made. Take synthetic fluorphlogopite (the synthetic version of Mica) for instance, it's made up of magnesium and aluminum silicate sheets that have been bound together with potassium. I wanted to mention that Fluoride is used as a additive in the process of making synthetic fluophlogopite (so if you avoid fluoride I would pass on synthetic mica). Synthetic fluorphlogopite has the same qualities as natural mica. Although synthetic fluorphlogopite is a man made material it seems as the cosmetics industry is interested in it's production because it is a better option to use oppose to natural mica that has been illegally produced. Let's talk about where mica can be sourced from. According to the Responsible Mica Initiative, 25% of the worlds mica production comes from illegal collection in India. India is the highest exporter of mica, and to keep up with the demand unethical working conditions are a reality, this includes child labour. It is really scary knowing that child labour still exists in this world. Unfortunately India is not the only country guilty in the production of mica through child labour. This is where the development of synthetic mica becomes useful, we could eradicate child labour from mica production - which to me seems a big win in my books.

Let's talk about Talc. Have you heard the ingredient Talc come up more recently these days? There is a lot of speculation around it and let me explain why. It's a naturally occurring metamorphic mineral. The cosmetic industry uses talc to give cosmetics that smooth texture, opaqueness and is often used as a filler. Talc has some good qualities, like how it's not abrasive to the skin, it absorbs oil and moisture and can be easily removed from the skin. The down fall is that typically Talc and Asbestos (another natural occurring mineral) often occur in the same geological formations. Meaning that talcum powder can be contaminated with asbestos. This is a big concern because asbestos is a carcinogen, and there are many asbestos related cancers (mesothelioma) especially of the lungs and ovaries. This is really scary to think about, especially if you are using products with talc daily. Take loose setting powder as an example. If talc is an ingredient in the product you are using and you are liberally dusting your face while the product floats in the air, you are inhaling that product which goes into your lungs and is absorbed into your body. Recently the FDA has recognized the safety concerns and alerted the public to not use cosmetics with asbestos tainted talc.

I also want to talk about the FD&C Act (Food,Drug and cosmetics Act) and elaborate on some things. This act was created in 1938 and has not been updated since. It has been 80 years and many things have changed, there are now man made 'minerals' and chemicals, which do not have enough testing to prove safe. I've taken this little bit off of the Canadian Government website regarding cosmetics to explain why it is so important to read labels and understand the repercussions of using cosmetics with dangerous ingredients.

"Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, do not have to undergo FDA review or approval before they go on the market. Cosmetics must be properly labeled, and they must be safe for use by consumers under labeled or customary conditions of use. The law does not require cosmetic companies to share safety information with FDA. 

FDA monitors for potential safety problems with cosmetic products on the market and takes action when needed to protect public health. Before we can take such action against a cosmetic, we need sound scientific data to show that it is harmful under its intended use."

That's a lot to take in, right? The rules regarding cosmetic products is such a gray area, and in hind sight a lot of companies put their products on the market even without properly testing for contaminants. Sure bigger companies may have their products privately tested for accordance but ignore the fact that their products do actually contain carcinogens. It's concerning to me that the laws regarding cosmetics, (products you use on your body and especially around your lips) are not actually considered safe. So even if companies are putting their products out on the market with potentially toxic ingredients something has to happen in order for the FDA to get involved, and even then if the scientific data does not report as toxic the companies are not under obligation to change anything about their product.

I want to close this post out by saying you have a voice. Every product you buy lets companies know what you will and will not accept. As a consumer you have the choice to support the things you care about. You may think you are just one person but in reality there are so many like minded people who have the same values, if we all stand together we can make a change. I hope this gave you some insight, and was found helpful. I am very passionate about clean beauty and I want to share my findings with you guys. I care so deeply about being honest and transparent (when it comes to anything really). I feel that I can use my voice to help others to make more conscious decisions, and you can use your voice too.

Take care,

Nat