Research into the bare mineral makeup phenomenon

In 2001 consumers worldwide flocked to try the cosmetic phenomenon known as bare mineral powder makeup.    Women in the United States viewed firsthand the cosmetic television infomercial evolution noted as the beginning of the mineral makeup boom. Mineral makeup products peaked in 2008 when almost all worldwide cosmetic companies like Estee Lauder, M.A.C. Cosmetics, and L’Oreal Cosmetics had introduced their versions of mineral type makeup.

 

Astonishingly, 2009 showed only an estimated 25% of women shoppers had ventured to try mineral makeup samples or full size makeup products. The low percentage of consumers using mineral makeup seemed to coincide with the possible mess loose powder products spilled might pose. Cosmetic buyers had not realized other mineral makeup formulations were available. In response to consumers needs several cosmetic companies formulated cream, liquid, and pressed mineral makeup products. Unfortunately, many of these early marketed natural mineral products contained cosmetic chemicals and parabens, not the sought after natural or eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients that deemed mineral makeup products healthy.

 

Chemical ingredients on mineral makeup labels showed not so natural ingredients. Cosmetic manufacturers pointed out chemical ingredients might be necessary for consistency and shelf life. Cream and liquid mineral foundations, as well as other face makeup products containing water, required a broad spectrum gram +/- preservatives, usually chemical, to prevent bacterial growth.  Other cosmetic chemicals were found on natural cosmetics, skin care, and mineral makeup labeling confusing the consumer as to what the term “Natural Cosmetics” addressed.

 

Natural preservatives were unavailable during early stages of mineral makeup products. Natural ingredient replacements since have allocated a decrease in chemicals used in some mineral makeup and cosmetic brand products, but not all. Cosmetic products packaging today volunteers’ ingredients are for the most part considered natural.

 

In conclusion consumers need to be aware that cosmetic industry standards stipulate a cosmetic product can contain less than 1% of chemical ingredients and be considered natural. Proving the terms pure, natural, or all natural cosmetics on labeling does not factually render that chemicals are not in the contents.

 

Always read labels prior to testing natural or pure mineral makeup brands. What goes on your skin is just as important as what goes into your mouth. The safest and healthiest ingredients in cosmetics and food labels should read more natural than chemical.