There are many benefits to using mineral makeup as opposed to conventional makeup. That does not mean that conventional makeup does not have its own benefits, too. However, it's like choosing to eat junk food everyday or to eat junk food every now and then. Certainly, most people would not want to be putting food that's bad for them into their bodies everyday - so why should we ignore what we are feeding our bodies through our skin? 

For your regular makeup routine, choosing products that don't contain talc, chemical dyes, binders, artificial fragrances, artificial colours, preservatives, parabens, phalates, bismuth oxychloride, lead, mercury, formaldehyde etc is certainly a smarter choice for your body. Absorption of chemicals through the skin is more dangerous than the mouth because substances absorbed in the digestive system go through kidneys & liver where enzymes naturally break it all down and may also detoxify. However, anything absorbed by the skin does not go through such a process - meaning a cocktail of chemicals could be building up in your blood stream over prolonged use.

With glossy packaging, lenient laws (or lack of) and misleading marketing, companies can certainly leave consumers confused about what to buy. So, what's the deal? Why is mineral makeup a better choice? Here are 5 honest reasons why mineral makeup is better:

1. Better For Your Skin

Nicole wears CARYS Mineral and Organic Lipgloss

We all know that mineral makeup is better for our skin.  It is not what is has, but rather, it is what mineral makeup lacks that makes it so fabulous. In genuine mineral makeup, there is no chemical cocktail. You can rest assured you will not be absorbing artificial colours, oils, perfumes, heavy metals or preservatives to clog pores and irritate the skin.

Mineral makeup can contain a combination of mica, zinc oxide, iron oxides and titanium dioxide which has anti-inflammatory properties. Great enws for those which sensitive or problematic skin i.e acne. In essence, mineral makeup is calming for your skin, plus, these ingredients can also act as sun protection.

Certainly one of the best reasons to wear mineral makeup is that it is non-comedongenic, which means that it does not clog your pores when you wear it, which allows your skin to breathe. This is especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin or problematic skin.

As we touched on previously, your skin can absorb substances. A golden rule of makeup, and really any beauty product, is basic: if you can’t eat it, don’t wear it.

Generally the assumption is that if a product is marked as 'Vegan' that it is automatically ok for our bodies/safe to use. This is not the case! Many popular vegan brands contain chemicals such as parabens, pthalates, bismuth oxychloride, FD&C colours, artificial fragrances and more. Trusting consumers are not made aware of the potential hazards with prolonged use. You can learn more in depth information about ingredients by clicking here.

CASE STUDY:

SHANGHAI SUZY LIPSTICK

Matt Formula: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyercide, Ceresin, Microcrystalline Wax, Ozokerite, Polybutene, Mica, Polythylene, Fragrance, BHA, Propyl Paraben, Pigment: Titanium Dioxide CI77891, D&C Red No.7 CA CI15850, FD&C Blue No.1 Al Lake CI42090. FD&C Yellow No.5 Al Lake CI19140, Iron Oxide CI77499.

Let's break that down.

Fragrance: 

Synthetic fragrances can contain thousands of chemicals and a high percentage are derived from petroleum. There is no agency that regulates the fragrance industry and the only thing that is required to appear on a label is ‘fragrance’ or ‘aroma’. Some of the toxic chemicals that are found in fragrances are: formaldehyde, limonene, acetone, toluene, ethanol, benzene derivatives, methylene chloride, and many more. These chemicals can cause birth defects, cancer, nervous system damage, infertility, and other health risks. These chemicals have been found in fatty tissue & breast milk. Learn more at the Environmental Working Group.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Derived from palm oil. Click to learn what's wrong with palm oil. May cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.

Propyl Paraben:

Parabens are synthetic compounds used as a preservative in many beauty products. You can find them listed as methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens. Parabens may cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. They have also been found in breast cancer tissue. 

The Human Toxome Project, a study being conducted by the Environmental Working Group, found that 26 out of the 28 people tested were found to have Propylparaben in their urine, showing its widespread usage in products, and its ability to travel through the body as well as stay in the system. The EWG gives propylparaben a safety rating of 70% for use in formulas. However this said, according to Truth in Ageing: "Ultimately, the cosmetics industry has found the low levels of parabens in cosmetics to be safe and the connection between parabens and breast cancer to be weak. The FDA (which has given Propylparaben its GRAS rating) finds that although parabens can mimic estrogen, the actual effects of this low level of activity on the body do not cause cancer in a higher incidence than naturally occurring estrogen".

BHA

According to the Environmental Working Group, this ingredient is a possible human carcinogen for products specifically on the lips. Linked to cancer and may encourage the breakdown of vitamins such as vitamin D, may cause lipid and cholesterol levels to increase, a possible endocrine disrupter.

FD&C Colours:

If you see on a product label FD&C or D&C, they represent artificial colors. F -- representing food and D&C representing drug and cosmetics. Generally, these letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1). The artifical colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar. Synthetic colors may also be carcinogenic and irritating to the skin. 

Ceresin & Ozokerite

Ozokerite, Ceresin and Montan Wax are mineral waxes, derived from coal and shale. 

Polyethylene

Excerpt from Truth in Ageing: "Polyethylene is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, for cancer. But a moderate hazard as regards skin irritation. There is moderate evidence that Polyethylene is an immune system toxicant as well, according to the National Library of Medicine's study entitled "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Agents."

Polyethylene is also considered a potential carcinogenic that has shown tumor formation at moderate doses when given to animals, and blood tumor formation and tumors at the site of application, although many of these findings resulted from Polyethylene being directly implanted into the body."

Titanium Dioxide

Titanium Dioxide is a common ingredient which is safe to use. However,  due to nanotechnology, ultrafine particles are a concern. A study by Churg et. al. at the University of British Columbia in their paper "Induction of Fibrogenic Mediators by Fine and Ultrafine Titanium Dioxide in Rat Tracheal Explants" (1999) found that ultrafine particles of the anatase form of titanium dioxide, which are less than 0.1 microns, are pathogenic or disease causing. It is important to ensure that if a company lists they use titanium dioxide, that they also confirm they do not support nano technology.

This is just one example of many vegan friendly brands containing a cocktail of synthetic ingredients. 

2. Eco Friendly

Nicole wears AIKO Mineral and Organic Lipgloss

Conventional beauty products use petroleum-based ingredients and generally also use a range of other chemicals. These are generally quite harsh substances, such as petroleum, aluminum, and lead - all of which require extensive mining.

Unfortunately, this mining is conducted in areas like the Amazon rainforest where land is destroyed and wildlife are stripped of their homes.

3. Delaying those wrinkles!

Nicole wears PRIYA Mineral and Organic Lipgloss

Makeup that is made with minerals usually provides a certain level of sun protection. Choosing mineral and organic cosmetic products may assist you in discouraging UV-related skin ageing and encouraging youthful looking skin. 

Commonly in mineral makeup you will find these anti-ageing ingredients:

• Titanium oxide: Provides SPF 15 protection. 
• Zinc oxide: Protects against both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) types of light.
• Iron oxide: As above.

But this isn't all, there are many more ingredients which provide antioxidant protection, plus Vitamin C cannot be ignored for its sun-shielding benefits. But remember, you cannot rely on mineral makeup solely for sun protection for your face.

4. Better for Animals

Nicole wears CARYS Mineral and Organic Lipgloss

A common assumption made is that mineral makeup is vegan friendly/does not test on animals. This is not always the case! In general, mineral makeup is more likely to be animal friendly but always check the packaging for 'Vegan Friendly' or look for the Leaping Bunny / PETA certification / Choose Cruelty Free Logo. Do note, there is a difference between Vegan & Cruelty Free. Vegan means the product is not tested on animals and contains NO animal products, Cruelty Free means it is not tested on animals and may or may not contain animal products. Seeking a Vegan mention on the packaging is an easy way to identify.

"Millions of rabbits, dogs, cats, mice and other animals are burned, poisoned and killed in painful and unnecessary tests each year for the sake of cosmetics and toiletries. Finished products (and/or their individual ingredients) are frequently tested on animals overseas before making their way to Australia." Read more.

1 Response

Jay

June 05, 2015

Shit, I have been wearing Shanghai so much….how can it have so much crap????

Thanks for all the info!!

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