Mica in glitter cosmetics: Responsible sourcing is key! ✨

Glimmer, glitter, shine, and shimmer - who doesn't love it when decorative cosmetics sparkle and shine beautifully? But have you ever wondered what ingredients create these glitter and shine effects? The best-known natural ingredient that can provide these effects is called MICA. On closer inspection, not everything about this ingredient is as shiny as it seems: in some countries, mica is extracted through child labor. We have researched for you what this specifically means and what needs to be considered.

What exactly is the ingredient Mica?

Mica, also known as Glimmer, is a group of 37 natural minerals found in granite, sandstone, and marble, among other places. "Mica" (Lat.) means "to shine" or "to glitter." Mica minerals such as muscovite, phlogopite, biotite, damourite, alurgite, annite, gilbertite, mariposite, and fuchsite are among the most common. The mineral is mined in over 30 countries, including Madagascar, China, and Brazil. India is the largest exporter of mica, accounting for about 29%. Germany is the third largest importer worldwide, all the more reason to take a closer look at this ingredient.

Where is Mica found?

Mica is primarily used in the cosmetics industry and provides glossy effects in many beauty products: radiant eyeshadow, shimmering cheeks, mother-of-pearl glow in powder, and glossy lips. Mica is also used as a consistency agent and color stabilizer. In the ingredient list (INCI), you will usually find mica as "CI 77019" or "Potassium Aluminum Silicate." Feel free to check your cosmetic products at home to see how many contain the mineral. You can also find Mica in our lip gloss.

Mica flakes not only make your makeup shine but are also used in metallic paints and are found in cars, cell phones, computers, and household appliances. Unlike in cosmetics, however, as a consumer, you cannot identify this without specific ingredient information when purchasing.

Why is Mica problematic?

There are reports that mica minerals are mined by children in some countries (e.g., here from Utopia). In addition to the ethical and social concerns raised by child labor, the dust released by mica mining can be harmful to health. According to estimates, the international children's aid organization Terre des Hommes assumes that around 30,000 minors work in mica mining in India.

It is important to note here that mica itself is not harmful to health, and its use in cosmetic products is considered safe. So, if you find mica in one of your cosmetic products, you don't have to worry about health concerns regarding this ingredient; rather, if possible, question the mining of the minerals.

Have you heard of the Responsible Mica Initiative?

The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) was founded in 2017 and now consists of over 100 global companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have joined forces with the goal of finding long-term solutions against child labor in mica mining. They also advocate for more transparency in supply chains and for the implementation of workplace standards.

Our manufacturer of the lip gloss confirms that all its raw material suppliers are part of this initiative and only mica that was not obtained through child labor is used. For our lip gloss products in particular, our natural cosmetics certificate, COSMOS Natural, also confirms that all ingredients used, including their supply chains, have been checked and approved before the product was launched.

And what can I do now?

The international children's aid organization Terre des Hommes asks all consumers to inquire whether a product contains mica, where it comes from, and whether the company participates in the Responsible Mica Initiative. This raises awareness of this issue and promotes products from companies that are already involved in the initiative. If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help!

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