Mica Powder Production and Use in Mineral Makeup
Asked by: lumiz-bud
On: May 27, 2015
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
What is the process of turning mica mineral into mica powder for cosmetics, and is this the type of powder used in mineral makeup (MMU)?
Answer
Mica powder used in cosmetics is derived from the naturally occurring mineral mica. The process typically involves:
- Mining: Extracting raw mica from the earth.
- Cleaning and Grinding: The raw mica is cleaned to remove impurities and then ground into a fine powder.
- Processing: The powder may undergo further processing, such as sieving to achieve specific particle sizes and sometimes coating with other substances (like titanium dioxide or iron oxides) to create different colors, effects, and improve performance.
Yes, mica powder is a key ingredient in many mineral makeup (MMU) products. It is valued for its ability to provide a smooth texture, add shimmer or a matte finish depending on the type and processing, and serve as a base for pigments.