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Mineral-based cosmetics are getting much attention
… is it a new marketing ploy or are there real benefits?
Why do you care?
- Mainstream powders block pores and prevent the skin's natural
respiration. Once airborne, may be inhaled and absorbed directly
to lungs. As 95% of powders are talc-based, an asbestos like
lung irritant this is of concern. 1/2
- Other toxic ingredients include formaldehyde, quartenium-15,
imidazolidinyl urea, MEA, TEA and DEA and parabens.3
See Ingredients to Avoid.
- Mineral powders, typically titanium dioxide, zinc oxide,
mica and iron oxide, are micro-pulverized to form microscopic
flat crystals, which overlap each other on the skin to form
a filter. The skin can breathe, as they do not interrupt the
skin's natural function and are typically free of fillers
like talc, oils, surfactants and preseravatives.4
- The minerals themselves mixed with pure pigment are inherently
beneficial:
- Natural sun protection, as titanium dioxide carries
an SPF of 15 to 20.5
- Relieves skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis
and rosacea due to titanium and zinc's natural anti-inflammatory
properties which sooth and calm skin breakouts and irritations.
- Minerals reflect light off the skin, reducing appearance
of pores and wrinkles.
- Do not harbor bacteria, absorb oil from your skin.
- Pulverized minerals that are “nano-sized” may
cause stress on internal systems when inhaled. Use particles
7 microns (7,000nm) or more.6
The Know How
- Read the label carefully, as there is no set definition
for the term "mineral make-up".
- Look for pure crushed minerals of the earth, as refining
the oxides reduces the natural state. A naturally derived
state has been processed to remove unwanted elements.
- Be wary of D&C or FC&C colourants. Although approved
for use, they are synthetically created and reduce the mineral
blend to less than naturally derived.
- Brushes are an essential tool for applying mineral cosmetics.
Bare Escentuals branded the "Swirl,
Tap, Buff" technique to achieve flawless coverage
with mineral powders.
- Look for brands like Pure + Simple (Canadian company), Dr.
Huaschka, Miessence, Bare Escentuals and other mineral powder
brands listed in Skin
Deep Cosmetic Database.
Know and Tell
- Patti used a department store pressed powder for years and
liked the results. Unfortunately they contained parabens as
a preservative and she wanted a "cleaner" product.
She has tried many, see her products
reviews, and is intrigued with mineral powders. To learn
how to apply them with more finesse, she plans to go for a
makeup lesson (just like you get at those big department store
cosmetic counters) at a salon where they sell Jane
Iredale mineral powders. She'll let you know about it
on the blog
later this week.
- Tamey's not a powder girl, but prefers liquid foundation,
have a look at her product
reviews.
P.S. Check out this month's hotseat
- Hairykids. Created by two women who were not happy with the
mainstrem kid's products on the market.
1. Don't go to the Cosmetics
Counter with out Me. Paula Begoun, 1998.
2. A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, Ruth Winter,
2005.
3. Guide to Less Toxic Products, Environmental Health Association
of Nova Scotia, 2004.
4/6 Take a Powder, Emily Main. The Green Guide, October 2006.
5 Pure + Simple. Retrieved from website November
30, 2007
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