During the last two years sales of mineral makeup have exploded, both in the US and around the world. But what exactly is mineral based makeup and what are the benefits of using a pure mineral makeup on a daily basis?
Women around the world have been applying makeup to their faces for thousands of years, in an attempt to mask skin blemishes and to give their skin a natural, beautifying glow.
The 20th century saw the emergence of a huge market for cosmetic products – to the point where tens of billions of dollars worth of color cosmetics are now sold annually.
In the last few decades, people have become much more health conscious about what they are putting in their bodies. And this health consciousness has led recently to women being much more concerned about what they are putting on their bodies – specifically, on their skin. Natural skin care crèmes and other such products now abound.
A desire has emerged for makeup products that are chemical and preservative free
With this new found concern has emerged a desire by many women for makeup products that are chemical and preservative free. And this has led to the creation in recent years of a lot of mineral makeup products.
To be fair, this interest in mineral based makeup is not really a new phenomenon. It is said that women in Egypt as far back as 2,500 years ago used malachite and galena as a powder for eye makeup and to protect the eyes from the reflective rays of the desert sun. Mineral makeup continues to this day to be used by many women in Northern Africa and India.
So what exactly is mineral makeup?
Well, there is no strict definition. Generally speaking, mineral based makeup is comprised of a variety of the earth’s natural mineral elements. These often include zinc oxide (this is used in diaper rash creams to ease irritation), iron oxides, titanium dioxide (which is a sunscreen) and bismuth oxychloride. These mineral particles should be large enough that they cannot penetrate your skin or clog up your pores. Be aware that if non-mineral ingredients such as vitamins and antioxidants are added to the makeup, there is the possibility of them penetrating your skin (indeed, some are intended to do just that), so some women with sensitive skin may get a reaction from these ingredients.*
A pure mineral makeup is combined with inorganic pigments to achieve the desired color. None of the artificial colors, preservatives or fragrances that one may find in chemical based makeup should be present.
So is mineral makeup good for the skin, or is it just industry hype?
The benefits one can achieve result from what’s missing from mineral based makeup
Well, probably the best way to look at it is to understand that, for the most part, the health benefits one can achieve using a pure mineral makeup, rather than a chemical based alternative, result from what’s missing from mineral based makeup. That is, the dyes, chemicals, preservatives, artificial fragrances and other standard ingredients that can harm the skin. This can be especially important for women with sensitive skin or those suffering from acne, rosacea and other skin conditions.*
Other possible benefits of mineral makeup may include:
- If ‘pressed’ in the manufacturing process, it is easy to apply and maintain for a long term period of time
- Many believe it offers a more natural look – and a better feel due to its light weight
- If the powder particles don’t penetrate the skin, then pure mineral makeup is less likely to be inflammatory or otherwise irritate sensitive skin*
- Mineral based makeup may also act as a natural sunscreen*
The best advice of course is to try it out for yourself and see how it makes you look and feel. If it gives you the natural glow you are looking for without the irritation or other problems you may have with other makeup products, you’ve made an excellent choice.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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