Mineral makeup was introduced over four decades ago. It has caught a lot of attention because it is marketed as an “all-natural” cosmetic that is breathable and has a no-makeup look. Who doesn’t want makeup that looks natural and doesn’t contain chemicals on their face right?

What is Mineral Makeup?

Like the name, mineral makeup is made of minerals from iron oxides, zinc oxide, mica, and titanium dioxide. These minerals are ground into different levels of tiny particles to create makeup. The larger the mineral, the less coverage. Whereas with finer ground mineral, more coverage is achieved. Pure mineral makeup is in powder form and doesn't contain emollients, waxes, fragrances, and preservatives that are normally found in traditional cosmetics. Mineral makeup that isn't in powder form may contain other ingredients that can possibly irritate the skin. Although a cosmetic may be labeled as mineral makeup, it might be just enriched with minerals, or can contain minerals that aren’t necessarily “good” for the skin such as talc.

Benefits of Mineral Makeup

Good for sensitive skin. Mineral makeup is free of fillers and synthetic ingredients such as mineral oil, petroleum, and artificial fragrances, which will less likely irritate the skin. It is ideal for those who have just had facial treatments, rosacea-prone skin, injured skin, perioral dermatitis, or any other sensitive skin conditions.

It’s non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic means that it does not clog pores, which leads to acne breakouts. Some claim that it improves acne, but it’s probably only preventing it from getting worse.

It’s a natural sunscreen. Mineral makeup contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which the FDA has approved both as a skin protectant and sunscreen. The question is, does it give you enough SPF protection to protect your skin from harmful UV rays? Many agree that applying sunscreen underneath will provide the needed protection to prevent skin damage. The SPF in mineral makeup is just an extra benefit.

Customizable shade. If you’re one of those people who always have a difficult time finding the right shade for your skin tone, mineral makeup is perfect for you. It’s a loose powder, so blending different shades to get the perfect match for your complexion is simple.

What’s the Best Mineral Makeup?

With the popularity of mineral makeup growing, every skincare brand probably wants to tap into the market, making it more difficult for the consumer to choose. If you’ve ever heard the saying “less is more,” it rings true for mineral makeup when trying to select which one is best. Look for products that contain only pure minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxides, and with the least amount of fillers. With that said, every skin is different, so it is up to each individual to decide what’s best for their skin.