Mineral makeup – doesn’t it just sound healthy?  In truth that mineral foundation or organic blush could be just as bad for your skin and health as standard makeup.  Just because a cosmetic  label reads “natural” or “all-mineral” does not mean it will be a healthy choice.   For example paraben preservatives and synthetic fillers are often used in cosmetics that are labeled natural.  There no hard fast rules for what can be called “mineral” makeup – just as long as the primary ingredient is considered to be a mineral.  

Most of the makeup claiming to have minerals are ususally comprised of a few different elements.  One is titanium oxide, it is a white mineral that occurs naturally.  It can be found in its purest form in white beach sand.  Titanium oxide can serve as a base color and  sunscreen in mineral cosmetics.  Zinc oxcide is another common ingredient and can be found in nature as well.  Zince helps to ward off bacterial inflammation and quicken wound healing.  Iron oxides and mica are often used minerals in makeup as well.

Added to the mineral mix in many products are a litany of potentials pore-blockers and questionable preservatives.  For example the list can include parrafin, aluminum starch, talc, glycerin, buylated hydroxytoluene, and triethanolamine.   As with all consumer products, it’s vital to read exactly what’s in the mix in your makeup.

Here’s a list of some mineral makeup lines to consider for your natural skin care treatment routine.

Youngblood Cosmetics

Does not use colorants, synthetic additives, or preserves.

Name Your LinkLaura Mercier

Does not use colorants, synthetic additives, or preserves in minerals line.

From their website; “Laura Mercier Skincare is a collection of products that are formulated to address everyday needs with minimal time and effort. Laura Mercier Skincare products actually “read” and adjust to each individual’s skin needs. So extremely gentle, balanced and free of common “anti-aging” ingredients and fragrances that anyone can use them.”

Bare Minerals

Some of their mineral powders contain paraben preservatives but are free of additives.  From the Bare Minerals site:

Bare Escentuals uses only the finest ingredients in our products. Made with crushed minerals from the earth, 100% pure bareMinerals:

• is free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other potential skin irritants
• is free of fillers and binders
• is weightless
• provides adjustable coverage—from light to full
• will improve the condition of the skin over time