MICA IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY
Nature is full of iridescent organisms. BioShine brings biobased iridescence to the beauty industry. We sustainably process cellulose nanocrystals to produce a new highlighter that shines on your skin. In doing so, we offer a biobased replacement to mica, the leading iridescent material used in most makeup brands. Whereas mica mining relies on child labor, our product has a socially and environmentally sustainable life cycle.
Below, we outline the social, health, environmental, and cultural concerns of mica in the beauty industry.
SOCIAL CONCERNS
Mica mining has been outsourced to child labor, primarily in India. Not only does this violate labor laws, it also exploits children and exposes them to harsh living conditions.
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Source: https://www.terredeshommes.nl/en/programmes/stop-child-labour-mica-mines
HEALTH CONCERNS
The mines used for mica mining are extremely dangerous for many reasons, including: long-term inhalation of mica, oxygen deprivation, working near explosions, and risk of cave-ins.
Source: https://www.catalanogonzaga.com/stories/the-ugly-face-of-beauty/
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
The mining industry has long-term effects on the environment, due to widespread deforestation and threats to local wildlife. Additionally, mica used in beauty products is coated with titanium oxide, which is neither sustainable nor biodegradable.
Source: https://india.mongabay.com/2019/10/mica-scavenging-in-jharkhand-destroys-lives-and-environment/
CULTURAL CONCERNS
Due to consumers' lack of awareness, mica is still widely used in beauty products. Most companies do not advertise their use of mica in their products, and other times, its presence is often overlooked by consumers.
Source: Media from Wix
