Mica
Natural mineral filler that delivers a shimmering effect. Base for luminous eyeshadows, highlighters and BB creams.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Mica is a mineral filler-pigment, an aluminum silicate with hydroxyl groups. In cosmetics used as a filler, optical light scatterer, and substrate for pigments (titanium dioxide, iron oxides). Mechanism. Thin mica platelets scatter and reflect light, mask irregularities and fine lines. Combined with titanium dioxide and iron oxides it creates shimmer and iridescence. Where applied. Foundations, powders, eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, glow products. Concentration 1–50%. In Spain in Skeyndor, Mesoestetic Cover Cream, mass-market makeup lines. Evidence base. No clinical RCTs required – an inert mineral filler. CIR confirmed safety. Safety. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, non-irritating. Does not photosensitize. Safe for all ages and phototypes. Ethical concerns. Since 2014 NGO and Reuters reports have described labor violations at Indian and Madagascar mica mines – child labor, hazardous conditions. Brands (Estée Lauder, L'Oréal, Lush) switch to certified responsible sourcing or synthetic fluorphlogopite – a functional analog. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mica safe during pregnancy?
Mica is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Mica for?
Mica suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Mica and what does it do in cosmetics?
Natural mineral filler that delivers a shimmering effect.
What's the INCI name for Mica?
The INCI name is Mica. It may also appear as: CI 77019.
See Mica in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Microcrystalline Cellulose, Microcrystalline Wax, Mineral Salts, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate, Sophorolipids, Buteth-3, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
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