Bismuth Oxychloride
“Bismuth oxychloride is a naturally occurring mineral used as a
make-up colorant that provides an iridescent (shiny) effect.”
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700778-bismuth_oxychloride/
What is it used in?
It is used in cosmetics for hair, skin, and nail products.
It is most commonly used in lipsticks, eye shadows, bronzers, and highlighters.
But it can also be found in some mascaras, sunscreens, nail polishes, and hair
dyes. It is a very common ingredient found in mineral make-up.
Why is it used?
It offers an iridescent effect, has great staying power
(dermal adhesion), and helps to make products have a smooth and silky feel.
Regulations
It is regulated by the FDA as it is a colorant.
Safety
Classified by The National Library of Medicine as an
irritant, Bismuth oxychloride can potentially be a cause of skin, eye, and
respiratory irritation. They further add that there is a warning for “serious
eye damage”.
It is on the National Eczema Association’s list of
ingredients to be avoided.
Bismuth occurs naturally, but not in great amounts, so it is
more often formed as a result of lead and copper production. In order to become
Bismuth oxychloride it has to be refined with other elements.
Who can use it? Who should not?
Some people have no adverse reactions. But if you have
sensitive skin, and/or any tendencies toward eczema or cystic acne, the
evidence seems to suggest it is best to avoid this ingredient. If using this
ingredient only in certain products, the information found through The National
Library of Medicine suggests that it may be wise to at least avoid products
that will be applied near the eyes.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Bismuth-oxychloride#section=Safety-and-Hazards
https://nationaleczema.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Ingredients-to-Avoid-2019.pdf
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700778-bismuth_oxychloride/
http://www.lemongrassuniversity.com/PDFs/Product%20Information/Sheer%20Minerals/Bismuth%20Oxychloride.pdf
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