What Are the Minerals in Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup is popular and can be healthy for your skin. But just like all makeup, they contain ingredients with long names. So what are the ingredients in mineral makeup? They're a lot less complicated than you think; once you know what they are, you can rest easy and be assured that your mineral makeup is good for your skin.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc is a mineral that naturally heals the body without the use of chemicals. Formulated as zinc oxide, it works as sun protection and can be found in most sunscreens.

Mica

Mica is normally the main ingredient in most mineral makeup lines. Companies often use serecite, a type of mica, that is translucent and helps keep makeup in place. Mica can also help reflect light, which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide offers some sun protection, but its main job is concealing. When added to mineral makeup, it works as a concealer by reflecting light and hiding pores at the same time.

Silica

Silica is used to absorb excess oil found in the skin, so your makeup looks more natural and not caked. When silica is added to mineral makeup, it is in a powder form, and it adds an overall silky texture to the mineral makeup.

Iron Oxides

Iron oxides add natural color to mineral makeup. The pigments add natural color, such as with foundation, or more color, such as with eyeshadow and blush.

Boron Nitride

Boron nitride does a little bit of everything and is similar to the other ingredients found in mineral makeup. Boron nitride absorbs excess oils, feels silky to the skin and can give the skin an added natural glow.