10 Things to Consider When Buying Mica Powder Wholesale

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A question we often hear is: Can I use mica powder in cosmetics like eyeshadows, lip gloss or foundation? The answer is yes! 100% But it's important that you choose a cosmetic grade mica powder. 

In short, cosmetic grade mica powder is a fine pigment that can be used in makeups, skincare and bath products. To be considered cosmetic grade, mica powder must be: 

• Ultra fine:

  Cosmetic grade micas can penetrate a 100-mesh sieve.

• Very Low Trace Metals:

  Micas for cosmetics must have less than 20 ppm of lead and 3 ppm of arsenic to be cosmetic grade.

• Particle Size:

  Micas used in cosmetics and lip-safe mica powders tend to have particle sizes below 150 microns. 

We're taking a closer look at mica powders for cosmetics, including what types of projects they can be used for, if mica is safe for use, and the ethical concerns of mica powder. 

Cosmetic Grade Mica Powder: Common Uses

Often referred to as 'nature's glitter,' mica is a mineral with natural light-reflecting properties. Mica is widely used in cosmetics, thanks to its ability to add natural shimmer and create a softer, more radiant hue.  

Mica is available in different particle sizes, and this is important for creating cosmetics. The particle size refers to how fine or coarse the powder is, and different particle sizes create different looks, from silky satin, to ultra-glam shimmer. As a result, mica powder is used in a wide range of cosmetics, including: 

• Lip balms and lipstick

• Eyeshadow 

• Nail polish 

• Foundation 

• Eyeliner 

• Bath bombs and body scrubs 

• Mascara 

• Blush 

• Body and hair glitter 

'' See mica project ideas (including recipes for cosmetics) and our soapmaking mica guide for tips and techniques. 

Is Mica Powder Safe for Cosmetics? 

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, mica is a color additive exempt from certification that is safe to use in cosmetics, skin care products and is lip-safe. Similarly, a review of synthetic mica by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel found mica to be safe in cosmetics. 

Ultimately, you should look for mica powders that have been colored with natural oxides or D&C dyes. All of Slice of the Moon's mica powders are: 

• Non-Toxic 

• Heavy Metal-Free 

• Vegan 

• Cosmetic Grade 

Are All Micas Lip-Safe? The majority of mica powders are lip-safe and can be used in lip gloss or lipsticks. Yet, micas colored with chromium oxide green or ultramarine are not deemed lip-safe by the FDA (although micas using these colors are lip-safe in Europe). However, these colorants are FDA approved for face and skincare products. 

Choosing A Mica Powder: Considerations

Mica powders are either natural or synthetic. Natural mica is a naturally occurring mineral, which is then colored with oxides or D&C dyes. Synthetic mica, on the other hand, is a lab-created mineral that mimics the properties of natural mica. 

Synthetic vs Natural Mica 

Which is better for cosmetics? Both natural and synthetic micas are considered cosmetic grade. However, some prefer synthetics for their: 

• Color purity 

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• Smoothness 

• Uniformity of particle size 

Natural mica powder, on the other hand, is made from natural muscovite mineral crystals. Because it's made from muscovite, natural mica powder tends to have varying particle sizes (although most are under 150 microns), and the shimmer qualities can vary, as well. 

Yet, natural mineral micas are a popular choice for natural makeup products, as well as for their subtle shimmer quality. 

Ethically Sourced Micas 

Another reason some prefer synthetic micas is due to ethical concerns of natural mica. In countries where mica is abundant, some mines rely on child and inhumane labor practices. Although this is starting to improve, it's important that you source natural mica from a ethical, child-labor free mica company. 

At Slice of the Moon, we take this issue seriously. All of our natural micas are ethically sourced. Nowhere in the sourcing, mining, production of our products is child labor utilized. We are third-party audited.

Shop Cosmetic Grade Mica Powders at Slice of the Moon

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Many artists use pigment powder or mica pigment powder to add some color and shimmer to every piece they make in the creative world. The best advantage of mica pigment powder is that it works great for any art you can imagine.

Consider buying mica pigment powder as you look for the best artistic items to purchase. In this article, we'll dive into what mica and pigment powder are, common uses for these products, and more!

Mica Powder vs. Pigment Powder

As we explore everything you need to know about pigment powder, let's begin by discussing the difference between mica and pigment powder, as it can be easy to confuse the two.

What Is Mica Powder?

Interestingly, mica powder is a natural substance that comes from ground stone, so it is very fine in texture. Many use mica powder to add some sparkle to their art project. Whether they're into woodworking, jewelry making, or other DIY crafts, many artists gravitate towards this medium since there are no creative limits.

Mica powder is also safe to use on all skin types, so you don't have to worry about narrowing your search as you shop for an FDA-approved product if you make skincare products.

Pro Tip

Eye Candy Pigments is a mica powder supplier that sells various options in a wide arrange of hues. Plus, we've got pearl pigments that'll add the translucent effect you're looking for in a product.

What Is Pigment Powder?

Unlike mica, pigment powder has a chalky texture and appears matte. Often, pigment powder makes a good base when you want to add color to your art. Additionally, pigment powders have a lot of pigment, making them great for creating makeup and other crafts. Unlike mica, pigment is not something we mine for, and instead something we have to make. This high-quality powder takes your art projects to the next level!

Mixing the Two

Most artists use mica powder or blend it with pigment powder. Some recommend using both mica and pigment powder for the best results, since you'll get that blast of color, plus some added shine. For example, if you were painting a resin model, you should use pigment powders for a base, as well as apply the corresponding mica powders on top to add some shimmer.

Common Uses of Pigment Powder

Pigment powder is versatile, as hobbyists across the board can use it to improve or add a splash of color to whatever they create. It works great in eyeshadow pallets, especially if you want to make a dramatic color.

Painting

Mica pigment powder is also incredibly versatile, and you won't have to worry about it drying out. So, if you're an avid painter and need a collection of colors, it'd be better to invest in pigment. Plus, this saves you money in the long run, since the powder will never expire.

Bath Products

If you make soap, bath bombs, or lotion, then consider adding some pigment and shimmer with a mica color pigment. Keep in mind that there is a difference between using pigment powder and mica powder, specifically for bath and skincare products.

Pro Tip

If you create and sell bars of soap, you can sprinkle in a bit of mica pigment. This makes your product even more eye-catching by adding shine and some beautiful colors.

Cosmetics

Some use pigment to create cosmetics, and others use a mica-pigment blend to add color and shimmer'two must-haves in cosmetics. When it comes to cosmetics, many use pigments to create products such as:

• Eyeshadow
• Colored mascara
• Lipstick
• Nail polish

Make your makeup line appear even more professional with pigment powder to keep it packed with color.

Pro Tip

It's best to use colorful mica powder when creating makeup products, since it won't cause skin irritation. If the product is a pigment powder mixed with mica, ensure that it's FDA-approved prior to use.

Resin 

Many also use pigment powders for tinting or adding some depth to resin. If you add mica to a piece, remember to use the appropriate amount to ensure your piece turns out well. This means using more for thinner pieces to fully get that translucent look.

Woodworking

Some artists also use mica and pigment powders to add to their woodworking masterpieces, making home décor even more unique. Many mix the powder with lacquer or topcoat, and then paint it on the wood.

Tips for Using Mica Pigment Powder

Since pigment powder is a dry substance, the way you use it depends on what you plan to make. If you don't plan to use the pigment as a powder, you'll have to mix it with a medium. Some common mediums include:

• Resins
• Lacquer
• Automotive paint
• Varnish
• Glaze
• Lotion

Keep in mind that the way you use pigments may differ depending on the type of use. Those applying pigment to a manicure will dip the brush in the powder, then apply it to a gel topcoat and apply heat before applying the final clearcoat. On the other hand, if you make resin jewelry, you'll pour the appropriate powder ratio into your resin for the best effects.

Pro Tip

If you're new to using mica and pigment powder with resin, then consider dusting the molds with your powder rather than mixing it into the powder. This creates a unique look, and you won't have to worry about pouring too much powder into your resin. After all, art is all about experimentation!

Shop at Eye Candy Pigments

Now that you've discovered everything you need to know about pigment powder and how it differs from mica powder, it's time to stock up on some product. Eye Candy Pigments sells mica pigment powder that's perfect for candle making, soap colorant, and so much more! Plus, our product is non-toxic and cruelty-free, so every type of artist can use it to elevate their work.

Browse our many options, including soft shimmers, bold metallics, glitters, and so much more. At Eye Candy Pigments, we know how important finding the right hue of each color is, and that's why we value offering customers a wide selection. There's never been a better time to take your artwork to the next level!

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