Mica free foundation

[kristen]

I am concerned about mica in foundation since reading about them possibly causing micro tears. I think it would be great if SN offers a mica free version so us mica sensitive/fearful ladies can mix too.

[karen]

Hi,
I've read some of the posts on other forms about mica- and I don't think it causes microtears in the skin. I've researched each of the ingredients we use for safety before we ever send something out, and I think that some of the sites that are referenced in those posts are in some cases inaccurate, and needlessly alarmist.

A rough brush, or over zealous cleansing will do far more damage to the surface of your skin than a little mica.

[Xarata]

i agree on that i don't think mica is the big concern for microtears but just thought i'd throw it out there that some people are mica-sensitive or even allergic to mica. I've actually seen a lot of request for mica-free makeup. Especially mica-free shadows since hardly anyone carries them.

I don't mind a little mica but there is a demand for mica-free. Just my observation

[kristen]

Yes, I was just about to say the same thing Samantha did regarding those actually sensitive to mica.

I am overly concerned about my skin, so anything that could cause microtears, i try to eliminate. I do agree that tears are probably more likely should someone use an inferior brush or harsh scrubs, and i stay away from both of those. I know reputable companies do use very fine mica but i am still concerned.

i don't mind mica in finishing powders though cause there's no buffing.

Sorry i wasn't trying to scare everyone but i just do wish more companies besides 2 would carry mica free foundations and perhaps you would consider it for the future.

[Rhys]

The mica used in mineral foundations is usually a) serecite, which is colourless mica and a base ingredient; and b) coated, tumbled mica.

If it was the rough stuff, I could see the problem, but it's not. Commercial liquid makeups use mica, too, and one complaint I haven't heard is that they rip up skin.

If you're completely opposed to it, I suppose you could use something not-serecite to do a base from, but I cant think what off-hand (it's early, need to have a think here).

Since there isn't any bismuth oxychloride in SN foundation (or in that of most small mineral companies) there's no reason to buff foundation into your skin - granted, a flat-top or a kabuki is a bit denser than a powder brush, but buffing isn't necessary - just put your makeup on gently, or use a powder brush to do your foundation (or if you need heavy coverage, a traditional foundation brush), and you should be fine.

I know that doesn't quite solve the problem, but it's the best I can think of at the moment. Are you sure that there's no serecite in these 'mica free' formulations? Again, it's early, my brain isn't woken up yet.

[Xarata]

IIRC correctly there was a mica-free thread on MMM a couple weeks ago and more than 2 companies offer mica-free foundations. I could be wrong but i recall a list- Toni would have it- and if you're looking for more options ANYWHERE, that list would be a good place to start.

I actually don't use my SilkNaturals foundation because, frankly, i don't like mixing my own- it's not hard, it's not even that messy, i just don't like doing it. I HAVE it (several jars in fact), i LOVE the texture and the finish, i just don't wear it. The pre-mixed foundation brands that i do wear are very very similar to SN in texture, finish, and wearability- with mica.

serecite is fluffy white mica and A LOT of companies use tumbled/coated mica. The tumbling smoothes the edges and coating (i think it's methicone or dimethicone coating?) creates a barrier for your skin.

BASES: Along with what Rhys said, serecite is the base for most makeups, the "filler" if you will. If it's not going to be mica, you have to replace the mica with something. The first go-tos would be Titanium Dioxide and Zince Oxide.
-TO: Large amounts of titanium dioxide don't photograph well (makes you look white) and make reeeeeeally heavy coverage foundations so TO isn't a good alternative.
-ZO: Zinc oxide can be an alternative (i don't believe it turns you white in photos the way TO does) but there seems to be even more people with allergies to foundies with high zinc concentrations than there are with mica sensitivity so again, doesn't really make a good alternative.

After ZO and TO you move into the "questionable" mineral bases.
-Boron Nitride (shiny)
-Bismuth Oxychloride (shiny and not recommended for wear around infants)
-Talc (carcinogen and way high adhesion. I, personally, have a profound aversion to talc so enough said)
-Kaolin Clay (though it works for many it has downsides, clay harbors bacteria, clay can get mucky on your skin with moisture, clay can be pore clogging, clay can be really very drying)
-Silica (can be really drying and a lot of people have allergies to it, it's also a VERY soft focus mineral)

After the "questionable" mineral bases, you move on to plant-based bases, all of which technically have a shelf life and support bacterial growth. All of them can also clog pores.
-Cornstarch or Zea Mays
-Oats or Aveena Sativa
-Rice Powder
-Silk Powder (18 amino acids which are great for your skin. Silk also adjusts moisture with its environment, absorbing or releasing moisture as needed so it's non-drying. Karen uses silk powder in all of her products).
-Pearl Powder (a brightener, also good for your skin)

IMHO, anything after the ZO, TO line(with the possible exception of silk powder and pearl powder) would be a poor business decision in formulating, especially with all the mineral "purists" out there.

Those who do offer mica free formulations (such as Cory) have no choice but to offer a heavy coverage foundation which will often run light b/c of the zo and to. They can also have color issues because mica is easy to change the color of using iron oxides. The mica itself changes color based on the oxide you expose it to, this occurs naturally in nature and synthetically in the cosmetics world. Without the mica you're just blending 3 oxides together (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide) and I've seen blending issues first hand.

Obviously it's Karen's decision whether or not to offer a mica-free foundation and your choice whether or not to wear only mica-free foundations but i thought i'd offer one perspective from the base ingredients and formulating standpoint

[kristen]

Thank you both for the informative posts, but i have researched this issue thoroughly and it was me who started the thread regarding mica at MMM forum. i know the risk for tears are low, but i would like to eliminate it almost completely. and when i say "buffing", for me this means any action that pushes minerals into the skin. I would never buff foundation in a rough manner as BE suggests.

i do currently use cory and have already researched the list Traci provided on MMM. i know BFM will be adding a mica free line soon, and so will DW. i really do love cory and don't have a problem with application as long as the correct amount and tools are used. I wasn't particularly looking for a heavy coverage foundation, but am pleased that a formulation heavier in zinc and titanium adds more UV protection, so I am ok with it.

yes, the decision is up to karen but i thought i would offer a suggestion as this is a wish list thread. I am not really here to debate whether mica is truly harmful as this has been discussed to some depth already on MMM. i have already made the decision to eliminate it from foundations that i use.

and i do think everything you put on your skin has potential to clog pores, not just those ingredients listed.

i thank you for shedding further information regarding this issue for those who may not be as familiar and may be alarmed.

Kris

[Xarata]

and i do think everything you put on your skin has potential to clog pores, not just those ingredients listed.

i agree with you there. A big part of the "purist" philosophy is just based on the idea that the base minerals don't harbor bacteria the way the plants, proteins, and clays do. Some of it has to do with particle size which is why most companies stay away from micronized ingredients but honestly, our skin is fickle enough, anything can irritate it. Some things (like talc and bismuth) are still technically "mineral" but proven bad for your skin not to mention the people with allergies to the zo or to (i think a lot of people with reactions to zo get cystic acne from it?) We're all different so companies try to cater to the majority i think.

I wish you luck in your search and do hope you find the options you're looking for. I really hope you didn't feel like i was attacking you(i know opposite opinions can feel that way). I just was explaining why, from a business standpoint, it's not really an advantageous move to create a new product that's a variant of one you already have that is successful on its own. The only incentive to do so is to offer something different for the few who want it (most people don't need or care about their makeup being mica free- it's just a bummer for those who do that there aren't a lot of options out there.)

I fully support your decision to do what you think is best for your skin! I've been there just with other products- Emu oil is supposed to be great for your skin and uber-gentle but it makes my skin breakout so i don't use it (even though everyone else loves it and they say it doesn't cause breakouts- i had a very distinct reaction to it).

Hopefully, there will be more mica-free options on the market soon. I do think there are several in the works by other companies so it might not have to be such a challenge for long. Keep us updated! Who knows, maybe sn will offer a silk and iron oxides only foundie option in the future since we mix our own!

[jonyhon]

and i do think everything you put on your skin has potential to clog pores, not just those ingredients listed.

i agree with you there. A big part of the "purist" philosophy is just based on the idea that the base minerals don't harbor bacteria the way the plants, proteins, and clays do. Some of it has to do with particle size which is why most companies stay away from micronized ingredients but honestly, our skin is fickle enough, anything can irritate it. Some things (like talc and bismuth) are still technically "mineral" but proven bad for your skin not to mention the people with allergies to the zo or to (i think a lot of people with reactions to zo get cystic acne from it?) We're all different so companies try to cater to the majority i think.

I wish you luck in your search and do hope you find the options you're looking for. I really hope you didn't feel like i was attacking you(i know opposite opinions can feel that way). I just was explaining why, from a business standpoint, it's not really an advantageous move to create a new product that's a variant of one you already have that is successful on its own. The only incentive to do so is to offer something different for the few who want it (most people don't need or care about their makeup being mica free- it's just a bummer for those who do that there aren't a lot of options out there.)

I fully support your decision to do what you think is best for your skin! I've been there just with other products- Emu oil is supposed to be great for your skin and uber-gentle but it makes my skin breakout so i don't use it (even though everyone else loves it and they say it doesn't cause breakouts- i had a very distinct reaction to it).

Hopefully, there will be more mica-free options on the market soon. I do think there are several in the works by other companies so it might not have to be such a challenge for long. Keep us updated! Who knows, maybe sn will offer a silk and iron oxides only foundie option in the future since we mix our own!

thanks for having this one, i learn something new today..


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Silk plants

[Shirin]

I try to not use any foundation! I don't have perfect skin, and I do look much better with foundation, but even though SN foundation has been the best I have tried, texture wise great and also colorwise (pretty impossible to find the right color for olive skin, pure olive I suppose, without any yellow), but powder foundation does make my fine lines show, and so far I have tried everything to cover my under-eye circles, which are blue and have never succeeded unless it'd be showing the lines and make me look older than I am.

So I just try not to use foundation because ok, foundations such as Bobbi Brown or Estee Lauder do make my skin look younger and brighter but I don't want all those parabens and chemicals enter my skin, and as you say, everything does clog pores.

So I hope to work towards as greta skin as possiblme with good skin care in order to swap foundation.

Maybe if you have a good sunscreen, it might make your skin look more even, mine does with sunscreen, i use Anthelios, which is supposedly really oneof teh best possible.