Mineral makeup is popular today for many reasons. For one, women want to healthy natural look to their skin when they wear makeup. Using minerals from the earth is one way to accomplish that. But, these helpful minerals are not the only ingredients in some mineral cosmetics.

Bismuth oxychloride is a common filler in makeup. It is a compound created from a metal on the periodic table, bismuth. It is sandwiched between arsenic and antimony. If you don’t know what antimony is, you’ve most definitely heard of arsenic. Bismuth in its natural state gives off toxic fumes when burned.

To be used as filler in makeup, bismuth must be refined and combined with other chemicals such as chlorine. Even with chlorine added, the compound is still not ready. Adding oxygen changes bismuth chloride to bismuth oxychloride, a pearlesque or diamond-textured compound found in some mineral cosmetics.

When you ground up bismuth oxychloride, it becomes a fine crystalline powder. In mineral makeup, it provides a silky finish on the skin as well as helping the makeup to adhere to the skin for a flawless lasting look.

As filler in makeup, bismuth oxychloride adds a shine to the skin. Some women like it and some do not. A pearlesque bismuth oxychloride results in a matte finish to your makeup. On the other hand, the diamond texture leaves the skin shimmering.

Flawless coverage with a natural look and feel is the desired effect of mineral makeup. This coverage is achieved with minerals whether bismuth oxychloride is present or not. Some manufacturers don’t use this filler because of its less than desirable properties. Check your makeup labels for any evidence of bismuth oxychloride.

Why you are better off without bismuth oxychloride

1. Consult the women who don’t want to be known for the glare that their faces cause. Shining faces are for children not us. With oily skin, the shine is already apparent. Mineral makeup with bismuth oxychloride will only exacerbate the effect. You can wear makeup and avoid this look.

2. Large pores appear larger when bismuth oxychloride is present. The compound doesn’t do a good job of concealing that fact. Using makeup is one way to reduce the appearance of larger pores when bismuth oxychloride is not present.

3. Bismuth oxychloride is not a naturally occurring mineral. The basis of mineral makeup is to use natural products to enhance the look and health of your skin. Traditional minerals blend into the skin when it warms and do no harm even to people with skin issues. As a manufactured compound, it can cause problems.

4. As we alluded to, skin problems can be caused by bismuth oxychloride. Who wants to ruin healthy skin? For women who are affected, they develop breakouts, itching, and rashes. There is no way to determine if your skin will be the one experiencing the adverse effects.

If your mineral makeup contains bismuth oxychloride consider switching to one without the compound. Your skin will be healthier for the switch.