Things to consider before you purchase mica powder
To ensure you find the best mica powder for your needs, you should consider the following factors and features before you make a purchase.
Packaging
Mica powder often comes in either plastic bags or jars. Unless you plan on using your mica in one go, you may prefer to use a mica powder that comes in a jar. This will prevent your work area or home from becoming messy. This also means you can save some of the product for a later date.
Skin-safe
Ensure everything used in the product is safe for the skin. Although mica is a skin-safe mineral, other ingredients may be added to the product that may irritate or inflame your skin.
Similarly, natural mica can cause skin irritation if it includes large pieces of mica. If natural mica powder looks extra sparkly, it likely contains large pieces and should not be used on the skin. Synthetic mica can be used on the skin, even if it uses larger pieces of mica.
Color
Ensure the pack of mica powders includes the color scheme you have in mind. Similarly, choose a pack of mica powders with good color variation in case you wish to experiment in the future.
Size
There is no point in buying a large bag of mica powder unless it comes in a resealable bag or you can transfer it to a sealable container. However, a small amount of mica powder usually goes a long way. If you want to buy a large amount of mica powder, we recommend a jar.
If you use highly-pigmented mica powder, you will not need to purchase as much as you would with less pigmented powder.
Pigments
Choose a highly pigmented powder if you want color added to your creations rather than just an iridescent sheen.
Customer reviews
When you find a product that you think will suit your chosen project, read its customer reviews. Here you will likely find a customer who has used it for a similar craft and find out if it works well in this medium. Customer reviews will also tell you if the product is true to the color advertised and how vibrant it is once combined with paint, varnish, resin, etc.
How we choose the best mica powder
To choose the best mica powder, we consider the vibrancy of the color that is produced. We also consider the quality of the ingredients used, the packaging, and the product’s value-for-money.
Mica powder price range
Mica powder can range in price from as little as $4 and as much as $50. When searching for the best value-for-money product, look for the cost of the product per ounce or gram. You may find buying in bulk will save you money in the long run.
Mica Powder FAQ
Q: Is mica powder bad for you?
A: Mica powder is mostly safe to put in beauty products that come into contact with the skin. However, some people who work in factories dealing with mica powder have found they have breathing difficulties, coughing, weakness, and weight loss. This is unlikely for those using this product for small projects at home. However, if it is a concern, wear a face mask to remedy the problem.
Q: Can mica powder be used in water-based products?
A: Mica does not dissolve in water and is not an ideal addition to shampoos, body sprays, or room sprays. Mica powder will settle at the bottom of any water-based product.
Q: Is synthetic mica powder any good?
A: Due to child labor being used in many mica mines, you may prefer to buy synthetic mica powder. Synthetic mica powder has other advantages over natural mica, including:
It is environmentally friendly
Some mica mines are created through deforestation. However, synthetic mica is made in labs, and unlike plastics used to create glittery effects, they do not pollute the waterways and ocean.
More color
Synthetic mica can create bolder colors than natural mica, which is greyer and murkier looking. The colors are also more uniform. Therefore, you can order the same color in the future, and it should be identical to the previous jar of mica powder.
Smoother edges
Natural mica has rougher edges. Therefore, using larger pieces to create more sparkle may irritate the skin when used in makeup. Synthetic mica powder has smoother edges, so you can safely generate more sparkle within various types of makeup.