Mineral makeup is one of the hottest beauty trends. But what exactly is it? Is it really different from more traditional makeup, or is the whole idea of mineral makeup being healthy for your skin just another marketing ploy?

What Is Mineral Makeup?
This question is difficult to answer because no universal definition exists for what can or cannot be called “mineral makeup.” A typical general definition of mineral makeup is that the products are made of finely ground minerals from the earth, so they shouldn’t include the dyes, preservatives and chemicals that are found in traditional makeup. This makeup tends to come in the form of finely ground, loose, lightweight powder that you apply by buffing the powder into your skin with a large, fluffy brush.

Mineral makeup is usually made up of zinc oxide, mica and titanium dioxide. Many formulas also use iron oxide for pigment. What most people don’t know, however, is that most makeups, not just the mineral-based ones, are also made from zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and mica. For that reason, the ingredients in mineral makeup aren’t radically different from what you’ll find in regular makeup.

Zinc oxide is a mineral that is used to thicken, whiten and lubricate. A natural sunscreen, it is popular because of its anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Titanium dioxide is another mineral that is also used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating. Like zinc oxide, this ingredient protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation, which has recently become a lucrative selling point.

Mica is an earth mineral that provides shine and sparks to cosmetics. As for iron oxide, it is used as a metal polish called jewelers’ rouge, and, unfortunately, we are all aware of iron oxide in its cruder form, commonly known as rust.

Certain mineral makeup brands also use Bismuth Oxychloride, one of mineral makeup’s most controversial ingredients. Other brands proudly, even vehemently, promote the fact that their product does contains absolutely no Bismuth Oxychloride.

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