Do mineral makeup pose health risks?
Thursday, 21 February 2008
I was checking out Lavera Organic Skin Care and got distracted by the following information they’ve posted regarding mineral makeup on their website.
Recent UK studies advise of strong health risks when using Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in nano particle form in powdered mineral makeup. These inhaled TiO2 nano particles coming in contact with living tissue have a similar effect as asbestos and can cause lung cancer.
However, TiO2 is safe when contained in cream form as it cannot then become airborne. This is typically the case in sun screens. In cream form, TiO2 stays on the upper layers of the skin and does not come in contact with living tissue.
I was rather surprised because I have always regarded mineral makeup to be safer as it uses crushed minerals and unlike most cosmetics, contains no talc, chemical additives, fragrance, fillers, preservatives, or dyes. In addition, maybe I didn’t understand the second paragraph too well, but shouldn’t they be comparing with nano-based TiO2 in cream form because that’s been generally regarded as potentially risky?
I’ve written before about avoiding nano-based beauty products because nanotechnology involves manipulating properties of tiny particles, measuring one-billionth of a meter. The concern is that these particles used in skincare products can penetrate our skin, travel into our bloodstream and wreak havoc to our system. However, despite my initial concern, I am actually using a nano-based sunblock now because there is still very little factual evidence available about the harmful penetration of these nano-particles into our skin.
But my current concern is, do all powdered mineral makeup contain TiO2 nano particles and are they all unsafe? And the answer, it seems, is dependent on the actual formulation.
Mineral makeup without micronized or nano particles
First, not all cosmetic manufacturers of mineral makeup use micronized or nano particles in their formulations. So far, the two which I’m currently using, Erth’s mineral makeup and Everyday Minerals, have stated on their websites that their products do not contain nano or micronized particles.
The other two I’ve tested, Lumiere and Alima, also contain no micronized or nano particles according to information supplied by this Mineral Powder Foundation Ingredient List on most mineral makeup brands. In fact, a quick glance at the list indicates that many of the mineral makeup brands avoid micronized ingredients.
(Please note that micronized particles are generally referred to as nano particles in the industry.)
Besides the health concerns, the more important reason I found out from reading this article micronized minerals vs non-micronized minerals, is that mineral makeup which contain micronized or nano particles would not provide any notable coverage at all. They are so fine and light that they become airborne very easily. And the smaller the particle, the more sheer and natural looking the application will be and that would be insufficient for women to obscure redness and fine lines.
Particle sizes 50 nanometers and larger
Second, for those who do use micronized or nano particles in their mineral makeup line, particle shape, size, density, and composition all figure into their hazard potential.
For example, Colorescience which uses nanotechnology in their mineral makeup line stated that they use particle sizes 50+ nanometers and particle sizes 50 nanometers and larger cannot be absorbed into the skin. Additionally, all of the minerals in their products are coated with Organo Silicone and that waterproofs the particles, increases the particle size and protects the particles from being inhaled and absorbed into the skin. Finally, Colorescience stated that once different size minerals are blended together, a process called agglomeration occurs.
That means the larger and smaller molecules group together to become larger as a whole, sort of like a magnet. So the final particle size is much larger than even the 50+ nanometers because the minerals are now a group.
I thought this is really interesting information. I understand better now that not all mineral makeup are created alike and as a mineral makeup lover, I will be actively looking out for micronized particles in any new mineral makeup which I may try and if I should use one containing such ingredients, I will exercise more caution during application. Some good tips I found on the forums are to keep the fan off when applying your mineral foundation, don’t inhale during application or use a wet brush instead!
Stumble This Post | 
Subscribe to my RSS FeedPosted in Beauty, Mineral Makeup |
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 am
That’s a great piece of info, Sesame. You know, at the end of the day, we don’t even know what’s safe anymore. Even those who claim their stuff is FREE from this and that, they are not obliged to list down every single ingredient if the content level doesn’t exceed a certain quantity. Personally, I believe in moderation and always balance our health with proper eating, exercise and proper relaxation
Doris: Ya, you’re right. Strike a balance. Cannot be too paranoid too. But it’s good to know what you’re in for so that you can make an informed choice at the end of the day.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I browse the list of the website provided by you and I saw that signature Minerals didn’t state that whether they are using micronized ingredients or not. This is what stated:
Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide. May contain Ultramarine Blue.
I am a user of Signature Minerals. Should I be worried?
Cyndi: I checked the website of Signature Minerals and they said under their section about ingredient education that they do not use micronized minerals. So no worries…
February 24th, 2008 at 4:38 am
weeks ago, i was well assured by EM that their products do not contain nano or micronized particles. i am so pleased.
this article is very informative and interesting, you have done up a great post once again! thank you!
Lia: Thanks Lia for the encouraging comments. I’m learning alot myself from blogging about these stuff too!
February 24th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for the information, babe! =)
February 27th, 2008 at 2:43 am
This is great piece of information.
I’m using EM. During my daily route, I always hold my breath when applying, not sure whether this trick helps too.
Theresa: It should! But since EM doesn’t use micronized ingredients, you also have less to worry.
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
[...] writing the earlier entry Do Mineral Makeup Pose Health Risks, I read that there is evidence that uncoated titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) can [...]
March 6th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Hi!
This is a very interesting information, since I’m also using mineral makeup in a while, because my dry and partly sensitive skin didn’t tolerate any conventional makeup (mostly powder) anymore…
Since I use mineral makeup (MAC Skinfinish Natural) my skin is relieved from dry flakes what really makes me happy!
So, it would be more or less upsetting, if that what is assumed to be safer is nothing but a misbelief.
Well, I have to check the list of ingredients of my mineral powder now…
March 8th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 8th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 9th, 2008 at 3:39 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 9th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 9th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 9th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
[...] SugarShock has a brush with greatness as she discovers the beauty editor fave product, YSL Touche Eclat . Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 12:52 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 6:54 am
What an interesting read! I work at a maternity store and in one of the books we have they also suggest that pregnant ladies not wear mineral makeup because “minerals are metals” and we don’t really know the detailed health risks of using them while pregnant.
Interesting. I am loving mineral makeup personally though!
I suppose it’s always good to be more careful when one is pregnant but I’m on the same page as you. I love mineral makeup too!
March 10th, 2008 at 7:00 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 7:25 am
[...] Subscribe To Feed! « The Gamble For Beauty Mar9th Have A Splendid Weekend! · No Comments Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 7:50 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]
March 11th, 2008 at 4:13 am
Hi, I tried looking for the ingredient list for Bare Escentuals and i can’t find it. I love that foundation but now i’m slightly paranoid :/
Denise: Got this from the Ingredient List. Bare Escentuals: i.d. bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation: Zinc Oxide (CI 77947) and/or Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891). Other Ingredients: Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163), Mica (CI 77019), Iron Oxides (CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499). (No micronized ingredients used.)
March 13th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Thank for you for this article! I thought I was the only the only person concerned about nano particles.
My favorite foundation is Illuminare, a liquid mineral formula. I wrote the manufacturer and got this reply:
We do use micronized mineral sunscreen ingredients titanium and zinc oxide in our active ingredients because they are inorganic and non chemical sunscreens, but according to the Consumer Reports, the subject of which and what products would pose a threat of the kind you mention is subject to great debate. However, I understand your concern and would like to say that I don’t think you need to worry about ours penetrating the skin. One reason is that we have suspended the ingredients in a non-penetrating sun screen boosting gel that adheres to only the top surface of the skin, repelling water and keeping dangerous UVB and UVA from penetrating. Other things to consider are the lack of effectiveness of the chemical sunscreens and the rising rate of skin cancer now due to their ineffective nature, and the fact that they are chemicals rubbed onto the skin which must be continually re applied unlike minerals which keep their effective protection as long as they are on the skin.
Melissa: If yours is a liquid mineral foundation, then you shouldn’t have to worry so much cos the issue is with those that are powdered as the claim is that inhaling micronized minerals can cause damage.
March 17th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Sorry I reposted b/c I saw some spelling mistakes ..I hope this is more coherent …
I am worried about Zinc Oxide in mineral make-up as well ..is breathing it in just as harmful as Titanium Dioxide …What do u think of rejuvaminerals.com …they mix their foundation with organic rice powder , my readings have taught me that means the make-up will go bad but they have a powder mineral foudnation that only has 2 ingredients : organic rice powder and iron oxides …also what is your take on talc and mica use … I have really sensitive skin and I am looking for safe skincare products and make-up ….
Also ,is shea butter a good alterntive sunscreen …also , lavera products , what do u think of them … they use titanium dioxide in their lipbalm ( but that will be ingested , I saw your link regarding nanoparticles and how titnium dioxide doesnt penetrate the skin but wouldnt eating and touching or even kissing transfer it into our bodies …what is your take on that as well …thanks
lily: I haven’t come across anything regarding zinc oxide that is harmful. The position on titanium dioxide is in powdered form only because of the potential harm when inhaling it. If you use it in cream form, there is no problem. As for nana particles, it’s because of unconfirmed reports that it could penetrate into our bloodstream due to the nano size…I’m actually using a sunscreen that contains nano zinc oxide because I’m well, willing to take the risk.
Shea butter is not an alternative to sunscreen but rather, used in some of the formulations. I find sunscreens containing this to be very rich so it’s good if you have dry skin. Otherwise, it could be too greasy.
As for talc and mica, there are problems associated with it as you might have read. I generally try to steer clear of these ingredients when I can.
Lily, while I’ve highlighted some of the risks involved in using some of these products, don’t be overly worried. Just avoid those that have been adversely reported and those that are detrimental for sensitive skin, although sometimes this could mean through trial and error.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:45 am
[...] of the health concerns surrounding inhaling Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in nano particle form in powdered mineral makeup, I [...]
May 16th, 2008 at 3:12 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out why some mineral makeup may pose strong health risks. [...]