Collection: Cosmetic Mica Powders

Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add colour and shine to soap, cosmetics, resin, nail art, candles, and more. In terms of composition, it’s a silicate mineral with a unique crystal structure, resulting in a shimmery, iridescent final appearance regardless of pigment colour. Both natural and synthetic mica is available, with the former being mined from rock all over the world, and the latter carefully engineered in labs.

Its cosmetic form is a fine powder safe for use on the skin, making it the perfect addition to many forms of makeup, soap (both bar and liquid), hair care products and more.

Mica is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicate minerals - which means it’s made up of a complex concoction of silicon, oxygen, and other elements. Normally found within rock formations, this common additive to cosmetics and soap is typically mixed with oxides and titanium dioxide, each ground into a fine powder by suppliers before being sold to makers, manufacturers, and hobbyists - ensuring ease of use further down the line.

At The Soapery, each and every one of our mica powders is a natural product - meaning they’re composed of natural minerals, and not dyed further down the line as many poor-quality equivalents are.  Put simply, our range is mined directly from the earth and ground into a fine, highly pigmented powder (typically mixed with oxides and titanium dioxide) for direct use - no synthetic additives or toxins included.

With this being said, there are some synthetic mica options out there. This version of the ingredient is created artificially in a laboratory, meaning it mimics the properties of natural mica, but it isn’t derived from a natural source.

As long as your mica is labelled as natural and not synthetic - yes! This shimmering powder is a natural colourant often used in cosmetics and other products. Its source? As a naturally occurring mineral, mica can be found in rock formations all over the globe, from America to Africa and beyond.

In order to be brought from rock to the brightly coloured, fine powders seen in soap, makeup, and more, manufacturers put their mica through a process of grinding - no additives required. The exact components of the mica used will determine its colour and properties, including its ability to reflect light and add a metallic or iridescent effect to products.

Mica powders are generally considered safe for use in soap-making. However, as with any ingredient, it's always a good idea to patch-test the finished soap on a small area of your skin before full use, especially if you're incorporating other ingredients like essential oils or fragrances, which are more likely to cause sensitivity. When manufacturing soaps either as gifts or for sale, it's always a wise move to provide ingredient and allergen information, using details from our free cosmetic mica powder technical documents as a reference.

When working with mica, follow standard manufacturing practices, ensuring you handle the powder with care. This is to avoid inhaling its fine particles, which can be harmful to the respiratory system.

Mica is a naturally derived mineral found in rock formations, meaning it doesn’t contain any animal products and is considered vegan. Due to this, it’s often used in vegan-friendly cosmetics and personal care products as a natural alternative to synthetic pearlescent agents.

ica powder is one of the most popular decorative additives and ingredients out there - and has been for hundreds of years in one form or another thanks to its natural roots. Often used in cosmetics and personal care products to add shimmer and sparkle, mica makes an appearance in everything from eyeshadows, blushes, and lip glosses to hard and liquid soaps in addition to candles, and even personal care products such as body butters and lotions. The options are almost endless!

Mica powder is non-toxic and has a soft, silky texture, making it relatively easy to blend into any of the above. It’s also cruelty-free, making it a great choice for those who are looking to create natural and ethical products.

Mica is one of the most popular ingredients in making! Its ability to add colour, shimmer, and sheen makes it a much-desired addition to any crafter’s box of tricks. With this being said, it might not be the best option for your candles. 

Whilst mica can safely be used in most candle waxes by adding post-melting pre-moulding, keep in mind that it’s not soluble in this ingredient, so it won’t fully mix in and may settle to the bottom of the candle over time. You might find more success in mixing your mica with a carrier oil, such as mineral oil, to create a paint-like consistency for brushing finished candles.

Mica powder can be used in a wide range of handmade hair products including dry shampoos, root touch-up powders, and temporary hair colouring. In addition to colour, this natural ingredient can add a shimmery, metallic finish and highlighting or colour-shifting effect to haircare creations. 

With this being said, it’s important to note that mica powder is a dry substance and should be used with caution in hair products. In this context, it’s not typically suitable for use on its own as a conditioner or leave-in treatment, and it should be used sparingly to avoid excess build-up or irritation.