Is Mineral Makeup Really Better?

More and more women - and skincare experts - are touting the virtue of using pure makeup. And mineral cosmetics are growing like crazy as a result. So is mineral makeup really all it's cracked up to be?

According to WebMD, "Many dermatologists report that because mineral makeup frequently eliminates classic 'irritants' - like fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, and preservatives -- it is considered 'purer' and can be kinder to the skin" - score one for pure makeup .

Particularly for those with sensitive skin, "makeup sensitivity is often the result of synthetic dyes, fragrances, and preservatives, so any makeup that eliminates these is going to eliminate some of the related problems," says Kathryn Frew, MD, a dermatologist at Juva Skin and Laser Center and MediSpa in New York City.

But that's not all there is to the pure makeup debate. Not all mineral makeups are created equal, and it can be a challenge sorting the good from the snake oil.

As WebMD reports, "since there is no set regulation for what constitutes a 'mineral' makeup, any product containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as such -- even if it contains a whole lot of other 'less natural' ingredients." So, just as with the word "natural" in food, the word "mineral" in cosmetics does not necessarily equate to a truly pure makeup .

The Derm Blog doesn't mince words on this fact: "there is no regulation for what constitutes a mineral makeup. Don't be fooled by makeups labeled as 'all natural minerals.' A company can put artificial fillers, preservatives, or dyes in a makeup, and so long as it contains minerals, they can claim it is mineral makeup."

Just as the FDA has very little control over the ingredients in cosmetics, "the FDA does not check to see if the product contains natural minerals... there is no requirement for a company to validate claims that its makeup is natural." pure makeup seekers beware.

So it appears that even visiting mineral makeup shops in the mall or department store does not decidedly deliver truly pure makeup. The explosive growth of pure makeup, including mineral cosmetics, in recent years has driven many companies and retail stores to dress up their offerings in this space - and it's left to the shopper to research, study, review, analyze, and seek out real, pure makeup. Without a doubt, it's a confusing proposition.

But this growth, along with the wealth of information available online, has also inspired entrepreneurs to help women find the purest options.

Stores offer pure makeup products and mineral makeup products that are certified pure by objective third parties like the Environmental Working Group and Good Guide.And so the virtues of mineral makeup appear to be legit. But like any endeavor towards healthier living, it requires equipping yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

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