Mineral makeup is popular today for many reasons. For one, women want to healthy natural look to their skin when they wear makeup. Using minerals from the earth is one way to accomplish that. But, these helpful minerals are not the only ingredients in some mineral cosmetics.
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 feels silky to the touch. Alone, it resembles a crystalline powder. It provides smooth coverage in mineral makeup and helps the minerals stick to the skin.
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. We mentioned the fact that bismuth oxychloride provides a shine to the face. While it can look natural if you want to appear sun-kissed in the summertime, most women want to wear makeup that avoids the shine effect. If you have oily skin, you already shine a bit and a mineral makeup that adds to the shine is not that appealing.
2. Large pores appear larger when bismuth oxychloride is present. The compound doesn't do a good job of concealing that fact. Using makeup is one way to reduce the appearance of larger pores when bismuth oxychloride is not present.
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. Bismuth oxychloride is an irritant to the skin of some women. If you are that unlucky woman, the filler compound can cause skin breakouts, itching, and even rashes on otherwise healthy looking skin. It's hard to tell if bismuth oxychloride will affect you in this way so it's safer to avoid it altogether.
If your mineral makeup contains bismuth oxychloride consider switching to one without the compound. Your skin will be healthier for the switch. - 16004
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 feels silky to the touch. Alone, it resembles a crystalline powder. It provides smooth coverage in mineral makeup and helps the minerals stick to the skin.
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. We mentioned the fact that bismuth oxychloride provides a shine to the face. While it can look natural if you want to appear sun-kissed in the summertime, most women want to wear makeup that avoids the shine effect. If you have oily skin, you already shine a bit and a mineral makeup that adds to the shine is not that appealing.
2. Large pores appear larger when bismuth oxychloride is present. The compound doesn't do a good job of concealing that fact. Using makeup is one way to reduce the appearance of larger pores when bismuth oxychloride is not present.
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. Bismuth oxychloride is an irritant to the skin of some women. If you are that unlucky woman, the filler compound can cause skin breakouts, itching, and even rashes on otherwise healthy looking skin. It's hard to tell if bismuth oxychloride will affect you in this way so it's safer to avoid it altogether.
If your mineral makeup contains bismuth oxychloride consider switching to one without the compound. Your skin will be healthier for the switch. - 16004
About the Author:
Looking to go natural with mineral make up? Marilyn Etzel, president of ME Naturally, LLC is dedicated to providing you important information about mineral cosmetics and supplying quality mineral makeup with the finest natural ingredients.