Mica in Mineral Makeup: Properties and Particle Size Effects
Question
Is Mica derived from a mineral and used in Mineral Makeup (MMU)? How do the properties and particle size of Mica affect the performance and finish of MMU products like foundation, BB/CC cream, shimmer, and glitter?
Answer
Mica in Mineral Makeup
Mica is a natural mineral that is processed through cutting and grinding into a fine powder. This mica powder is a key ingredient in Mineral Makeup (MMU).
Mica powder has notable properties such as being soft, smooth, and spreading well on the skin, making cosmetics easy to blend, long-lasting, and providing a lightweight feel.
Furthermore, mica powder comes in various particle sizes, and different sizes yield different results in cosmetics:
- Small sizes (around 20-30 microns) are suitable for products requiring coverage, such as foundation or BB/CC Cream, providing low gloss or light reflection for a natural look.
- Medium sizes (around 60-70 microns) are suitable for adding shimmer to products, making the skin appear prominent and radiant.
- Large sizes (from 160 microns upwards) are suitable for adding sparkle or glitter to the product texture.
Therefore, mica powder, derived from processing mica mineral through various methods, is indeed used as a primary ingredient in Mineral Makeup.
