Mineral makeup is everywhere you look these days. The minerals in the cosmetics are found naturally in the earth. Using them adds a natural glow to your face. But, all mineral cosmetics don’t only contain minerals but other compounds.
Bismuth oxychloride is a common filler in makeup. It is a compound created from a metal on the periodic table, bismuth. It is sandwiched between arsenic and antimony. If you don’t know what antimony is, you’ve most definitely heard of arsenic. Bismuth in its natural state gives off toxic fumes when burned.
To be used as filler in makeup, bismuth must be refined and combined with other chemicals such as chlorine. Even with chlorine added, the compound is still not ready. Adding oxygen changes bismuth chloride to bismuth oxychloride, a pearlesque or diamond-textured compound found in some mineral cosmetics.
Bismuth oxychloride appears as a white crystalline powder when ground. To touch it, the powder feels silky. Adding the substance to makeup provides good adhesion with the other makeup ingredients. It applies easily to the skin for a smooth appearance.
In mineral makeup, the filler bismuth oxychloride adds shine to the makeup when applied. Wearers talk about the glow they get to their skin. Using the pearlesque form provides a matte look, while the diamond variety adds a gloss or shimmer to the makeup wearer.
Everything about bismuth oxychloride is not bad. It has some good qualities but do they outweigh its potential towards the other end of the scale? A seamless look is still achieved without its presence.
Why you are better off without bismuth oxychloride
1. Consult the women who don’t want to be known for the glare that their faces cause. Shining faces are for children not us. With oily skin, the shine is already apparent. Mineral makeup with bismuth oxychloride will only exacerbate the effect. You can wear makeup and avoid this look.
2. How do your pores look? If they tend to be large, you’ll look to your makeup to conceal them. Bismuth oxychloride does the opposite and with the added shine, those pores will seem even larger to your eyes.
3. Mineral cosmetics pride themselves on presenting a natural look from the earth. Bismuth oxychloride doesn’t come from the earth as it is. Natural minerals blend in to the skin. That is why they look and feel light. The components of this compound may be natural but they can be lethal if used in that state. Only a refining process will allow you to create the cosmetic filler.
4. Women using cosmetics with bismuth oxychloride can experience skin irritations. It causes itching, rashes, and breakouts on the skin. This can happen to women with healthy skin. Even if you don’t suspect you will have any problems with the compound it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your makeup.
If your mineral makeup contains bismuth oxychloride consider switching to one without the compound. Your skin will be healthier for the switch.
Tags: wellness, fitness, Beauty, skin care
