Is Mica (Cosmetic) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Mica (Cosmetic) is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (colorant).
INCI name MICA. Also called CI 77019. CAS 12001-26-2.
Other names: CI 77019, Sericite, Muscovite Mica
Is Mica (Cosmetic) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | bareMinerals ORIGINAL Powder Foundation, NYX Professional Makeup Highlight & Contour Pro Palette, e.l.f. Cosmetics Illuminating Palette |
| CAS number | 12001-26-2 |
What is Mica (Cosmetic)?
Mica is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that provides a sparkling, pearlescent shimmer in cosmetics. It is either mined from the earth or synthetically manufactured (synthetic fluorophlogopite). Mica is extensively used in color cosmetics, mineral makeups, and highlighters.
Why is Mica (Cosmetic) used in personal-care products?
Provides shimmer, glow, and opacity in cosmetics. Acts as a filler and texture agent. Also has some absorbency and slip properties.
Is Mica (Cosmetic) dangerous? Documented risks
Cosmetic-grade mica is considered safe. The primary safety concern is not toxicity but rather the ethical issue of child labor in mica mining, particularly in India. From a toxicological standpoint, cosmetic mica is inert and non-toxic at topical use levels. Inhalation of mica dust in occupational (mining) settings is associated with respiratory disease, but this is not relevant to consumer cosmetic use. Synthetic mica (synthetic fluorophlogopite) addresses both the child labor and purity concerns.
Products that may contain Mica (Cosmetic)
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail ColorSally Hansen
- Crest 3D White Whitening ToothpasteCrest
- Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte LipstickMaybelline
- L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin LipstickL'Oréal
- L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable FoundationL'Oréal
- CoverGirl TruBlend Micro Mineral FoundationCoverGirl
- Revlon Super Lustrous LipstickRevlon
- NYX Butter Gloss Lip GlossNYX
How to avoid Mica (Cosmetic): safer alternatives
Synthetic fluorophlogopite as a child-labor-free, high-purity mica alternative; bismuth oxychloride for shimmer without mica.
Frequently asked questions about Mica (Cosmetic)
Is mica safe?
Cosmetic-grade mica is toxicologically safe. The concern is social/ethical: much of the world's cosmetic mica is mined using child labor. Synthetic mica avoids this issue.
What is the difference between mica and synthetic fluorophlogopite?
Synthetic fluorophlogopite is man-made mica with more consistent particle size, higher purity, and no association with child labor concerns. It provides similar shimmer effects.
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Sources
- FDA Color Additives — Mica-Based Pearlescent Pigments — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EWG Skin Deep: Mica — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.