Mica
A cosmetic ingredient used as anticaking, bulking, colorant in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Mica is a series of silicate minerals of varying chemical composition but with similar physical properties. Mica may have well-defined cleavage and split into very thin sheets.
What does it do?
Mica is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Anticaking
prevents powders from clumping or caking, keeping them free-flowing
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Bulking
adds volume or mass to a product without significantly changing its other properties
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Colorant
imparts colour to a cosmetic product
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Opacifying
makes a transparent or translucent formulation opaque or pearlescent
EU regulatory status
Mica is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mica?
Mica is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Mica is a series of silicate minerals of varying chemical composition but with similar physical properties. Mica may have well-defined cleavage and split into very thin sheets.
Is Mica allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Mica is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Mica do in cosmetic products?
Mica is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: anticaking, bulking, colorant, opacifying.
What is the CAS number of Mica?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Mica is 12001-26-2.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 08/11/2018