healthy beauty

Bismuth Oxychloride

Mineral makeup is becoming more popular in the US and around the world as more women turn to natural cosmetics in an attempt to avoid the harsh and often irritating chemicals found in most traditional makeup formulas.

However, there are ingredients used by some mineral makeup companies that can be just as bad for your skin as those found in chemically based makeup. One of these ingredients is bismuth oxychloride, and in this article we’ll explore what it is, its side effects, and how you can avoid it and make healthier choices when purchasing mineral makeup.

Written by Christine Conrad

What Is It & What Is Its Use?

Bismuth oxychloride is a compound of bismuth, oxygen, and chlorine. It is a powder, and is available in both ‘pearl’ and ‘diamond’ finishes. The ‘pearl’ finish is used to give many, but not all, brands of mineral makeup a pearlescent sheen, while the ‘diamond’ finish is used for matte looks. Bismuth oxychloride is also used by some brands to help the makeup cling to your skin.

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Bismuth on the periodic table
Bismuth, not in a compound, on the periodic table