What Is Mica?
What It Is
Mica is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals with variable chemical composition. Cosmetic mica is processed into fine mineral particles for optical and formulation purposes. Synthetic mica materials can have different INCI identities.
What It Does
Depending on grade, mica can contribute colour, shimmer, opacity, bulking or anti-caking properties. In bath products its primary role is visual or formulation-related rather than therapeutic.
How It Functions in a Formulation
Mica can be incorporated into bath products, powders and other decorative cosmetic formulations. The exact behaviour depends on particle size, grade, surface treatment and whether additional pigments or mineral components are present.
Safety and Tolerance
The source emphasises the importance of identifying the exact material supplied. A coloured or pearlescent material should not automatically be classified as simple Mica when it contains other pigment components or has a different INCI identity.
What the Source Supports
The source supports mica primarily as a visual and formulation ingredient. Colour, shimmer or optical effects should not be presented as evidence of a skin or therapeutic benefit.