Mica
What is it?
Mica is a naturally occurring group of silicate minerals. In cosmetics and personal care products, Mica, from muscovite mica is used in the formulation of a wide variety of product types, including makeup, nail products and skin care products.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists Mica as a color additive exempt from certification. Mica, is safe for use in coloring products, including cosmetics and personal care products applied to the lips, and the area of the eye.
FDA also includes aluminum and potassium silicate (Mica) on the list of indirect food additives and permits its use as a colorant for polymers with incidental contact with food.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of Mica because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.
FDA also includes aluminum and potassium silicate (Mica) on the list of indirect food additives and permits its use as a colorant for polymers with incidental contact with food.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of Mica because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Mica imparts a sparkly white appearance to cosmetics and personal care products.
Scientific facts:
Mica is a group of silicate minerals that are widely distributed in different types of rock. Mica often occurs as flakes, scraps, or sheets, and has been used by humans since prehistoric times. Because Mica come from the earth it may contain trace amounts of heavy metals. The levels of heavy metals in Mica are regulated by the FDA, and the small amounts that may eventually be in cosmetic or personal care products do not pose a risk to human health.
