Let's Talk : Mica

Let's talk about mica powder.

Mica is a naturally-occurring mineral and when it is ground up looks like shiny flakes or powder. Mica is made when rocks are exposed to very high heat and high pressure over time. Once mica is mined and ground into a powder it is then sometimes coated with a pigment to give it a fun or not naturally occurring color.

Pigments used in mica powder are made in a lab - for a reason. The chemical structure that is used to make these pigments is identical to mica itself and ensures that there is no lead or arsenic in the powder - which can occasionally occur naturally. When mica is mined it is processed to remove any naturally occurring elements that would be harmful, so that is nothing to ever worry about. Pigments are considered to be natural because they do not contain any harmful components due to their chemical structure being identical to mica once made. Something that is made in a lab and given the term "synthetic" is not a bad thing! Synthetic in this case is referring to mica that is processed in a lab made safe for your skin in makeup, soap, skincare, etc. Just the same as most other items that are synthetically produced - like today's hyaluronic acid.

So, when people ask are my colors that I use natural/vegan? The quick answer would be, YES. Yes, because they are naturally occurring and no animal products are used/or in mica. Just note that when making products intended for internal or external use on the body the term "natural" is not officially regulated by the FDA. I purchase my mica powder from a company that uses no child labor, no chemicals, no animal products and no unsustainable products.

Mica powders are used in a variety of products as well, not just soap! From skincare products and makeup (specifically eye shadows and lip colors, to resin art and so much more. Mica has so many uses. I am sure you use something in your daily life that contains mica colorants, you just might not know it!

To check out Ollie Lue Soap Co see the following:

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ollieluesoapco.com

Resources:

https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/mica/

https://www.madmicas.com/pages/ethical-and-animal-testing-statement

https://sliceofthemoon.com/blogs/how-to/cosmetic-grade-mica-powder