RAW Natural Beauty makes several makeup products that the company says do not contain harsh chemicals or artificial colors, preservatives or perfumes. The RAW Natural Minerals line consists of powdered products that include foundations, eye shadows and sunscreen. Some of the same ingredients can be found in each of these products.
Mica
Mica refers to a group of silicon minerals, minerals that contains silicon and oxygen. Found in abundance in the United States, it is used in many applications. This is largely because of its malleable structure as it can be flattened into sheets or ground to a fine powder.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
This ingredient is added to increase the thickness and smoothness of the product. It also gives the makeup a matte finish. Found in many lotions and other cosmetics, it is another silicon-based product.
Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract
As the ingredient name suggests, this is an extract of the garden pea plant. Also found in various lotions and other cosmetics, KemCare Specialty Chemicals reports that it is most often added for anti-aging purposes. Research at the University of Karachi in Pakistan also showed that Pisum sativum had antimicrobial properties and may act as a natural preservative.
Ribose
Ribose is a sugar found in all living things. Often taken as a supplement, ribose is used in cosmetics as an anti-aging ingredient. Although cosmetic companies say that ribose firms skin and slows the aging process, research is ongoing in this area. One study at the University of Arizona is looking at the use and effectiveness of ribose in healing sun-damaged skin and preventing skin cancer.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Germ Extract
Another plant extract, Glycine Soja (soybean) Germ Extract is also used as an anti-aging and skin protection ingredient. Research out of the University of Hiroshima has shown that soybean extracts to have some anti-oxidant and UVA protection properties. The same research also states that it is safe to use for cosmetics.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide has a long history of use in various cosmetics from makeup to sunscreens. Its value is in its ability to protect the skin from sun damage. And as a lotion it appears to be relatively safe. However recent research, like that out of the University of California, Los Angeles, brings concerns about its use as a powder. Research with mice showed that when inhaled it caused cancer in the mice.
Hydrated Silica
Hydrated silicas are silicone minerals bonded with hydrogen. Used to keep the powder from caking, they are also found in many cosmetic products. The Environmental Working group reports that there is a concern of bioaccumulation (the accumulation of something within the body) but that it not likely to cause cancer or become toxic.
Photo Credit
- 4 professional makeup brushes image by Nellie Vin from Fotolia.com
