Ingredient guide ›

Mica

This is the shimmer.

What it does

A natural mineral ground into fine flakes. It adds shimmer and glow to makeup, and sparkle to toothpaste and shampoo.

Good to know

The known health risk is breathing in large amounts of mica dust over years, mostly for miners and factory workers.

Often found in: Shampoos, Toothpastes, Eye makeup, Highlighters

Around the world

• United States: Allowed as a color in all cosmetics, including near the eyes. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Mica pneumoconiosis: a literature review (Scand J Work Environ Health, 1985) (Medical)
• CIR: Amended Safety Assessment of Silicates as Used in Cosmetics (2025) (Industry-funded)