Cosmetic-Grade Mica, Heavy Metals & Product Safety
We receive a lot of thoughtful questions about the mica used in our shimmer products—especially where it comes from and whether heavy metals are a concern. We understand why, and we want to give you a clear, honest answer.
The Simple Answer
Glimmer Goddess® uses only cosmetic-grade mica, sourced from Just Pigments. We never use craft-grade mica, industrial mica, or plastic glitter as substitutes in our formulas. We do not intentionally add lead, arsenic, mercury, or other heavy metals.
Because mica is a naturally occurring mineral, very small traces of other minerals may sometimes be detectable. That is different from adding heavy metals to a product, and cosmetic mica must meet applicable identity and purity requirements.
What Is Mica—and Why Do We Use It?
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that reflects light. In our products, it creates the soft glow, shimmer, silky feel, and luminous finish many customers love.
A Soft, Radiant Glow
Mica catches and reflects light, creating anything from a subtle sheen to a more noticeable shimmer.
A Smoother Feel
Finely milled mica can also help a product feel silky and spread smoothly across the skin.
Beautiful Mineral Color
Mica may be blended with cosmetic pigments such as iron oxides or titanium dioxide to create different shades and finishes.
What Kind of Mica Does Glimmer Goddess® Use?
Every mica used in a Glimmer Goddess® formula is cosmetic grade. We choose each pigment for the type of product and the area of the body where it will be used. We also review the individual product description and supplier information before adding it to a formula.
What We Never Use
We do not use craft-store mica, industrial pigments, or decorative plastic glitter in place of cosmetic-grade mica.
Where Does Our Mica Come From?
We source our cosmetic-grade mica from Just Pigments. Just Pigments supplies pigments for several industries, so we select only the individual pigments identified as appropriate for the intended cosmetic use.
Just Pigments says it researches its manufacturers, maintains supporting documentation, and works to avoid mica sourced from mines that use child labor. We rely on that supplier documentation and continue reviewing sourcing information as it becomes available.
About Our Supplier
Learn more about how Just Pigments describes its manufacturers, documentation, and mica-sourcing practices.
Read Just Pigments’ sourcing statementCosmetic-Use Information
Permitted uses can vary from one pigment to another, which is why we review each pigment individually before using it.
View Just Pigments’ cosmetic color guideWhat About Heavy Metals?
We do not intentionally add lead, arsenic, mercury, or other heavy metals to create color or shimmer. However, mica comes from the earth, so tiny naturally occurring traces of other minerals may sometimes be detected.
This does not mean heavy metals were added to the product. It means mineral ingredients can naturally contain trace impurities, which are controlled through cosmetic purity requirements and responsible sourcing.
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 are not test results for a specific Glimmer Goddess® product, and they do not mean every mica ingredient contains these amounts.
Is Mica Allowed in Cosmetics?
Yes. 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 the applicable requirements and is used as allowed.
Mica is exempt from FDA batch certification, but that does not mean it is unregulated. It still must meet the applicable rules for identity, specifications, labeling, and intended use.
Why We Do Not Call Our Products “FDA Approved”
FDA regulates and approves color additives for specific uses, but finished cosmetic products generally are not individually approved before they are sold. We therefore avoid calling a finished Glimmer Goddess® cosmetic “FDA approved.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Glimmer Goddess® use only cosmetic-grade mica?
Yes. Every mica used in a Glimmer Goddess® formula is cosmetic grade. We do not use craft-grade mica, industrial mica, or plastic glitter as substitutes.
Where do you source your mica?
We source our cosmetic-grade mica from Just Pigments and review each pigment’s stated cosmetic applications before using it.
Does your mica contain heavy metals?
We do not intentionally add lead, arsenic, mercury, or other heavy metals. Because mica is a mineral, tiny naturally occurring traces of other minerals may sometimes be detectable within applicable purity specifications.
Is mica the same as plastic glitter?
No. Mica is a mineral ingredient. Traditional craft glitter is often made from cut plastic film and is not the same as finely milled cosmetic-grade mica.
How can I tell whether a product contains mica?
Check the ingredient list on the product page or package. Mica is generally listed as “Mica” and may appear with mineral pigments such as iron oxides or titanium dioxide.
Regulatory Resources
Supplier Resources
This page is provided 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?
Send us the exact product name and our customer-care team will be happy to help you review its ingredient list.
Contact Glimmer Goddess®