It started out on late-night infomercials and home shopping channels, then moved to chic boutiques and salons, and is now available in stores, online, and pretty much in any way imaginable. Mineral makeup has taken the beauty industry by storm, but is it really better for you than everything else on the market?
What Are The Minerals in Mineral Makeup?
Generally speaking, most mineral makeup brands use a lot of the same basic ingredients you would find in any other kind of foundation: titanium dioxide, mica, zinc oxide, and talc. These are the essential mineral ingredients in most of the popular mineral makeup brands, but they're also the primary ingredients in almost any foundation – liquid, cream, or powder – that you would find on the shelf in your drug store.
However, some of the things you won't see in mineral makeup are added fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. These are the most common makeup irritants and for this reason, people who need makeup for sensitive skin may find mineral makeup appealing. The ingredients are inert and will not breed additional bacteria, which also make mineral cosmetics an option for those who suffer from more serious acne concerns.
It is also important to note that even though the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are commonly used sunscreen ingredients, dermatologist Kathryn Frew, MD, of the Juva Skin and Laser Center in New York reports in a WebMD.com interview that it is not a complete substitute for sun protection, "It's better than using nothing," says Frew, "but I always tell my patients to use a regular cream sunscreen under their makeup and then use the mineral foundations as an extra boost."
The last key ingredient you should know about is bismuth oxychloride. This by product of lead and copper processing is found in many, but not all, mineral makeup brands. This inexpensive ingredient provides that signature pearlescent sheen that mineral makeup foundations leave behind. But it is also highly irritant, and known to causing itching in many people. If you are experiencing a negative reaction to your mineral makeup, chances are that it contains this ingredient.
Some of The Benefits of Mineral Makeup:
- Usually free of dyes, perfumes, and preservatives
- Can easily mix two or more shades together to create the perfect match for your skin tone
- Light in weight and doesn't feel like you are wearing a lot of makeup
- Great for sensitive skin and acneic skin types
Some of the Things to Keep in Mind About Mineral Makeup:
- Primary ingredients are found in many other traditional forms of makeup
- Can contain bismuth oxycholoride, which is a known skin irritant
- Powder formulations are often messy to use or take with you
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