Cosmetic-Grade Mica, Heavy Metals & Product Safety
Learn why Glimmer Goddess® uses only cosmetic-grade mica, where our mica is sourced, and how we address questions about heavy metals and mineral purity.
The Direct Answer
Glimmer Goddess® uses only cosmetic-grade mica. We source our mica from Just Pigments and never use craft-grade mica, industrial mica, or plastic craft glitter as substitutes in our cosmetic formulas. We do not intentionally add lead, mercury, arsenic, or other heavy metals. Because mica is mineral-derived, trace naturally occurring elements may be present within applicable cosmetic purity specifications.
What Is Mica?
Mica is a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their light-reflecting properties. In cosmetics, finely milled mica can create a soft glow, subtle shimmer, silky slip, color dimension, or luminous finish. It is commonly used in makeup, illuminating skincare, shimmer body products, and mineral-based color cosmetics.
Creates Luminosity
Mica reflects light to give the skin a soft, radiant, or shimmering appearance.
Improves Texture
Finely milled mica can contribute to a smooth, silky feel and help cosmetic products spread evenly.
Supports Mineral Color
Mica may be combined with cosmetic pigments such as iron oxides or titanium dioxide to create shades and reflective finishes.
Does Glimmer Goddess® Use Cosmetic-Grade Mica?
Yes. Every mica used in a Glimmer Goddess® formula is cosmetic grade. We select mica for the specific cosmetic application in which it will be used. We do not substitute craft powders, industrial pigments, or decorative plastic glitter for cosmetic-grade mica.
- Only cosmetic-grade mica is used in Glimmer Goddess® products.
- We review the individual pigment description and intended cosmetic applications before use.
- We consider ingredient identity and available supplier documentation when selecting pigments.
- Mica-containing ingredients are disclosed in the product ingredient list.
Where Does Glimmer Goddess® Source Its Mica?
Glimmer Goddess® sources its cosmetic-grade mica from Just Pigments. Just Pigments supplies pigments for cosmetic, craft, and industrial markets, so we select only individual pigments identified as suitable for the intended cosmetic application. We review product-specific use guidance before incorporating a mica into a Glimmer Goddess® formula.
Supplier Documentation
Just Pigments states that it researches its manufacturers, requires supporting documentation from suppliers, and provides application guidance for pigments used in cosmetics.
Read Just Pigments’ sourcing statementCosmetic-Use Guidance
Just Pigments provides a cosmetic application chart and an FDA colorants resource. Because permitted applications can vary by pigment, we review the individual product information rather than assuming every pigment is suitable for every cosmetic use.
View the Just Pigments FDA colorants resourceDoes Glimmer Goddess® Mica Contain Heavy Metals?
We do not intentionally add lead, arsenic, mercury, or other heavy metals to create shimmer or color. However, mica is mineral-derived, and naturally occurring trace elements may be detectable as impurities. That is different from intentionally adding a heavy metal to a cosmetic formula.
Trace Presence Is Not the Same as an Added Ingredient
Modern laboratory equipment can detect extremely small concentrations. Relevant considerations include the measured concentration, applicable purity specifications, the way the product is used, and expected exposure.
Federal Specifications for Mica
| Element | Maximum Specification |
|---|---|
| Lead, expressed as Pb | Not more than 20 ppm |
| Arsenic, expressed as As | Not more than 3 ppm |
| Mercury, expressed as Hg | Not more than 1 ppm |
These are federal maximum specifications for mica under 21 CFR § 73.1496. They do not mean every mica ingredient contains those amounts, and they are not test results for a specific Glimmer Goddess® finished product.
Is Cosmetic-Grade Mica Safe for Skincare and Cosmetics?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists mica as a color additive permitted for use in cosmetics, including eye-area cosmetics, when it meets applicable requirements and is used as authorized. Mica is exempt from FDA batch certification, but it remains subject to applicable identity, purity, labeling, use, and restriction requirements.
Why We Do Not Call Finished Cosmetics “FDA Approved”
Color additives are regulated under specific FDA requirements, but finished cosmetic products generally do not receive FDA premarket approval. We therefore avoid describing a finished Glimmer Goddess® cosmetic as “FDA approved.”
The Glimmer Goddess® Mica Standard
Our standard is straightforward: use only cosmetic-grade mica, select it for the intended application, review supplier information, and clearly disclose mica in the ingredient list.
Only Cosmetic Grade
We never replace cosmetic-grade mica with craft-grade, industrial, or general-purpose decorative powders.
Application Review
We review product-specific guidance and select pigments for the area and type of cosmetic in which they will be used.
Clear Labeling
Customers can review each product page or package to determine whether a formula contains mica.
Why We Avoid Absolute “Zero Heavy Metals” Claims
An absolute “zero” claim requires testing with a clearly defined detection limit. Unless a specific finished product or batch has supporting laboratory results, we communicate our sourcing and purity approach without promising that no trace element could ever be detected.
Claims We Avoid Without Specific Testing
- “Contains zero heavy metals”
- “Completely lead-free”
- “Guaranteed free from every trace element”
- “Every finished product is laboratory tested”
What We Clearly Communicate
- We use only cosmetic-grade mica.
- We source our mica from Just Pigments.
- We do not intentionally add heavy metals.
- We do not use craft-grade mica as a cosmetic substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Glimmer Goddess® use cosmetic-grade mica?
Yes. Glimmer Goddess® uses only cosmetic-grade mica. We never use craft-grade mica, industrial mica, or plastic craft glitter as substitutes in our cosmetic formulas.
Where does Glimmer Goddess® source its mica?
We source our cosmetic-grade mica from Just Pigments. We review each pigment’s product information and select only pigments identified for the intended cosmetic application.
Does Glimmer Goddess® mica contain heavy metals?
We do not intentionally add lead, arsenic, mercury, or other heavy metals. Because mica is mineral-derived, trace naturally occurring elements may be detectable within applicable purity specifications.
Is cosmetic-grade mica safe for skincare?
FDA lists mica as permitted for use in cosmetics, including eye-area cosmetics, when it meets applicable requirements and is used as authorized. Customers should always use a product only for the purpose and area stated on its label.
Does Glimmer Goddess® use craft mica or plastic glitter?
No. We do not use craft-grade mica or plastic craft glitter as substitutes for cosmetic-grade mica.
Is mica the same as plastic glitter?
No. Mica is a mineral ingredient. Conventional craft glitter is often made from cut plastic film and is not interchangeable with finely milled cosmetic-grade mica.
Is Glimmer Goddess® mica ethically sourced?
Our supplier, Just Pigments, states that it requires sourcing documentation, makes efforts to avoid mica from mines using child labor, and does not source pigments from India. We rely on supplier documentation and continue to review sourcing information as it becomes available.
How can I tell whether a Glimmer Goddess® product contains mica?
Review the ingredient list on the product page or packaging. Mica is generally listed as “Mica” and may appear with mineral pigments such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides.
Are finished Glimmer Goddess® products independently tested for heavy metals?
Our public statement is based on our exclusive use of cosmetic-grade mica, supplier information, and applicable regulatory specifications. We do not represent every finished product as independently laboratory tested for heavy metals unless testing has been completed for that specific product or batch.
Regulatory Resources
Supplier Resources
- Just Pigments: Where We Source Our Pigments
- Just Pigments: FDA Colorants for Cosmetics
- Just Pigments: Guidelines for Using Mica in Cosmetics
This page is for ingredient transparency and general education. Regulations and supplier information may change, and we may update this page as new information becomes available.
Still Have a Question About an Ingredient?
Send us the exact product name and our customer-care team will help you review its ingredient list.
Contact Glimmer Goddess®