Exposing the "myth" behind Bismuth



With all of the hullabaloo about Mineral Makeup in the news, there’s one imposter ingredient that is riding on the coat-tails of the pure and natural story. This poser is lining the pockets of Mineral companies everywhere. Even its name sounds imposing: Bismuth Oxychloride. This compound is showing up as a red carpet mineral listed among such headliners as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, but its real identity is an inexpensive filler used by many mineral lines to enhance product texture without any benefit to the user’s skin.

Rarely occurring in nature, Bismuth Oxychloride is the black sheep of the true minerals' family. A by-product of copper and smelt refining and a heavy mineral similar in molecular structure to Arsenic,(Yikes!) it causes a shiny veneer look on the skin, accentuating fine lines, wrinkles and pores. This subpar filler can also cause itching, irritation and break-outs in skin. So, what do aware mineral cosmetic companies use instead of Bismuth? High quality lines like Stella Bella are using pure silk powder, which adds to longevity of wear and gives the product a smooth, soft, velvety finish.

So buyer beware! Check the ingredient list of your favorite mineral make-up. If Bismuth Oxychloride is listed, place the product gently back on the shelf and seek a company that uses pure silk powder instead. Your skin will glow with appreciation and you will know you are using an all natural, safe product that would make any dermatologist smile.