Base Minerals & Fillers:
* Talc: (Hydrated Magnesium Silicate) - Used as a filler and to improve texture and blendability. While generally considered safe for cosmetic use, some concerns exist about potential asbestos contamination, so reputable brands use asbestos-free talc.
* Mica: (Potassium Aluminum Silicate) - A key ingredient for providing a silky texture, slip, and light-reflecting properties (shimmer). Different types of mica are used for varying degrees of shimmer and sheen.
* Kaolin Clay: (Aluminum Silicate) - Helps absorb oil and provides a matte finish.
* Zinc Stearate: - A binder and adds a silky feel, improves adhesion and water-repellency.
* Magnesium Stearate: - Similar to Zinc Stearate, used as a binder, adds texture, and helps with adhesion.
* Silica: (Silicon Dioxide) - Used as an absorbent, bulking agent, and anticaking agent. It can contribute to a smoother texture.
Coloring Agents (Pigments):
* Iron Oxides: (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) - Provide a range of colors from yellow, red, brown, to black. These are naturally occurring and generally considered safe.
* Titanium Dioxide: (CI 77891) - A white pigment used for brightening and opacity. Also used as a UV filter.
* Ultramarines: (CI 77007) - Provides blue and violet shades.
* Chromium Oxide Green: (CI 77288) - Gives a green color.
* Ferric Ferrocyanide/Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide: (CI 77510) - Used for deep blue colors.
* Manganese Violet: (CI 77742) - Provides violet and pinkish-violet hues.
Shimmer/Glitter Enhancers:
* Synthetic Fluorphlogopite: A synthetic mica that provides intense shimmer and reflects light. It is often used as an alternative to natural mica.
* Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate: Used to create a pearlescent or iridescent effect.
Important Considerations:
* CI Numbers: The "CI" followed by a number is a Colour Index number. These numbers are used internationally to identify pigments and dyes allowed for use in cosmetics.
* Ingredient Lists: The most reliable way to know what minerals are in a specific eye shadow is to check the ingredient list on the product packaging. Ingredients are typically listed in descending order of concentration.
* Mineral Makeup: "Mineral makeup" often contains fewer ingredients and typically avoids synthetic dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. However, it still contains minerals like mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides.
* Regulations: The use of minerals in cosmetics is regulated by government agencies like the FDA in the United States.
This list is not exhaustive, and the specific mineral composition will vary from product to product. Always refer to the product's ingredient list for the most accurate information.