What it is
Synthetic fluorphlogopite is the laboratory-made version of natural mica, sometimes called synthetic mica or fluormica, with the formula Mg3K[AlF2O(SiO3)3]. Compared with natural mica it offers more consistent quality, fewer impurities, an even lower heavy-metal content, and greater transparency with improved light reflection. In cosmetics it functions as a bulking and viscosity-increasing agent and as a filler that can add coverage and luminosity, and it serves as a base for multilayered composite pigments, particularly pearl-effect pigments coated with metal oxides such as titanium dioxide.
Safety & warnings
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that synthetic fluorphlogopite is safe for use in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration, based on a review of toxicological data including irritation and sensitization testing. It is generally regarded as a refined, well-tolerated alternative to natural mineral mica, with its controlled manufacture yielding lower impurity and heavy-metal content than mined mica.
Origin & sourcing
It is synthetic, produced in the laboratory rather than mined, which is why it carries fewer impurities and lower heavy-metal content than natural mica. It is manufactured by melting oxide-fluoride mixtures at high temperatures, in one industrial route up to about 1,450 degrees Celsius, followed by controlled cooling, with later heat treatment and washing of the resulting powder.
Questions everyone asks
Is synthetic fluorphlogopite the same as mica?
It is a lab-made version of mica, also called synthetic mica, made to have more consistent quality and fewer impurities than the natural mineral.
Why use synthetic mica instead of natural mica?
The synthetic form offers more consistent quality, fewer impurities, lower heavy-metal content, and improved transparency and light reflection.
What does it do in a sunscreen or makeup?
It works as a bulking agent and filler that can add luminosity and coverage and as a base for pearlescent pigments coated with metal oxides.