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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0058 |
| Product Name | Mica |
| CAS | 12001-26-2 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | abhrak;biotite;c1000;davenitep12;daze;fluorophlogopite;glist;hx610 |
| Description | Mica is a group of minerals that are widely used in various industries such as cosmetics, construction, and electronics. It is a naturally occurring mineral that belongs to the silicate family and is characterized by its unique properties such as high electrical and thermal insulation, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and weather. Mica minerals are mainly composed of potassium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, and they can be found in several forms such as sheets, flakes, and powders. In cosmetics, mica is used to add shimmer and glimmer effects to products such as eyeshadows, lipsticks, and nail polishes. |
| Molecular Weight | 256.24 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | Al2K2O6Si |
| Density | 2.77 g/mL |
| Appearance | shiny, reflective appearance with a layered or flaky texture |
| Features And Benefits | 1. Creates a smoother texture 2. Provides a natural shine and shimmer 3. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 4. Adds color and pigmentation 5. Improves the adherence and lasting power of makeup 6. Does not clog pores or cause skin irritation 7. Natural and safe for use on the skin. |
| Refractive Index | 1.55-1.61 |
Mica, a hydrous aluminum potassium silicate mineral, is characterized by its unique platelet structure resembling pages of a book. To optimize the benefits of mica's platelet formation, careful delamination and size reduction are necessary, achieved through wet grinding in chaser mills. This process preserves the particle's surface integrity, resulting in a superb refractive index and excellent light reflectance. Mica's notably high aspect ratio is crucial to its quality, making it chemically and physically akin to talc. This mineral is a valuable component in numerous personal care products, such as pressed powders, body powders, liquid makeup, lipstick, and nail lacquers, due to its remarkable sheen and pearlescent transparency. Additionally, mica's ability to reflect the UV spectrum offers effective protection against photoaging. With the availability of hydrophobic surface treatments, mica can be incorporated into high-level powder formulations (anhydrous systems), enhancing slip and skin adhesion.
Yun K H, et al. Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology, 2018, 35(4), 1197-1205.
In UV protection cosmetics, inorganic UV blocking pigments are mainly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which have good UVA and UVB blocking capabilities and better safety than organic UV blocking pigments.
In this work, mica, a plate-like inorganic pigment, was treated with surfactants along with nanosized titanium dioxide, which serves as a UV-blocking agent, and hydrophobic silica. Subsequently, titanium dioxide nanoparticles and silica were physically adsorbed onto the mica through non-chemical interactions stemming from differences in charge. The mica complex was then treated with silane, resulting in the creation of a hydrophobic UV-blocking pigment complex.
The surface charge of this pigment was assessed using zeta potential measurements, while the characteristics of the UV-blocking pigment complex were analyzed through techniques such as FE-SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. This plate-shaped UV-blocking composite not only enhances the cohesiveness of conventional titanium dioxide nanoparticles but also improves the UV-blocking efficiency due to its uniform dispersion. Additionally, surface treatment with hydrophobic properties significantly boosts dispersion stability in cosmetic formulations.
Rincón-Fontán M, et al. Powder technology, 2018, 327, 442-448.
In cosmetic formulations, mica not only creates a shimmering effect on the skin, but also provides physical protection against ultraviolet (UV) light. In this work, mica was combined with a biosurfactant extract (BS) obtained from corn wet milling industry to enhance the protection of mica mineral against UV light. The results showed that under optimal conditions, the addition of biosurfactants increased the SPF value of mica by more than 2000%.
Biocomposite based on mica powder and biosurfactant
· Various formulations were created using mica minerals along with a biosurfactant extract that was diluted in water. For the preparation of the samples, 20 mg of each type of mica was placed in a Pyrex tube. Next, 10 mL of the biosurfactant solution, diluted to a concentration of 500 mg/L, was added to each mica sample. All samples were mixed in a vortex mixer for 2 minutes, and subsequently, they were diluted at a ratio of 1:10 (v/v) to achieve a final concentration of 200 mg/L for the mica minerals.
· To investigate the synergistic effects of the biosurfactant and the different mica types, control samples were created for each biocomposite. These control samples contained mica that was diluted in demineralized water rather than the biosurfactant solution, and they were prepared under the same conditions as described above.
What is mica?
Mica is a group of silicate minerals that can be ground into a sparkling powder for use in beauty products. It is often referred to as ""nature's glitter"".
What colors can mica come in?
Mica can come in a variety of colors, ranging from silver and white to pink and purple tones.
What is the main use of mica in cosmetics?
Mica is commonly used in cosmetics to add shimmer and sparkle to products. If a product has a shimmer effect, it is likely to contain mica.
What type of skincare products often contain mica?
Skincare products marketed as brightening or illuminating often contain mica to create a glow effect on the skin.
Why do organic and natural beauty brands favor mica as an ingredient?
Organic and natural beauty brands favor mica because it is a naturally produced ingredient that can create a natural shimmery finish. It is also safe to use on most skin types with little to no side effects.
What are the benefits of using mica in cosmetics?
The main benefit of using mica in cosmetics is the ability to create a shimmery finish. It can be milled to a fine powder, making it easy to apply and blend into products.
Is mica safe for consumers to use in cosmetics?
Yes, mica used as colors in cosmetics is safe for consumers. However, long-term inhalation of mica can pose a health risk to workers in certain industries.
What industries are at risk for long-term inhalation of mica?
Workers in muscovite mills and occupations such as agriculture and construction work are at risk for long-term inhalation of mica.
What precautions should be taken when using mica-containing cosmetics in manufacturing?
Proper industrial hygiene practices should be followed, such as appropriate ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment for workers.
Does dermal exposure to mica cause harm to the skin?
No, dermal exposure to mica does not cause harm to the skin. While inhalation of mica can be a health concern, it does not pose a risk when applied topically."
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