The Bare Escentuals company creates products that do not just cover flaws but attempt to correct the flaws. Although Bare Escentuals produces several lines of makeup, among them Buxom and md formulations, the company is most known for its Bare Minerals line of mineral makeup. The mineral foundation and other associated products contain finely ground minerals as the key active ingredients and no fillers or preservatives.
Titanium Dioxide
One of the primary ingredients in the Bare Minerals line is titanium dioxide. The mineral thickens and whitens, but it also serves as a sunscreen, protecting the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Cosmetics manufacturers purify the mineral before using it in their formulations.
Zinc Oxide
The other mineral that boosts Bare Escentuals cosmetics’ sun protection factor is zinc oxide. This ingredient also has healing powers, prompting users of the Bare Minerals foundation to tout its ability to heal irritated and damaged skin.
Bismuth Oxychloride
Bismuth oxychloride is one of the more controversial ingredients in Bare Minerals products. This pearlescent mineral imparts a glow when you apply it. However, some mineral makeup and other cosmetic companies have removed it from their formulations, because of its potential to irritate sensitive skin.
Mica
The sheer and translucent look of mica makes the skin look softer and smoother. Mica has reflective properties, which helps Bare Minerals makeup appear to bounce light off the skin, drawing attention away from wrinkles and making the face appear luminous. Bare Escentuals uses micronized cosmetic grade mica in its products.
Iron Oxide
According to the Chemistry in Daily Life website, people have used iron oxides as a coloring agent for makeup since 1900. The most common naturally occurring hue of iron oxides is a rusty red, but it also occurs in yellow and black. Iron oxide typically serves as the sole pigment in the Bare Minerals cosmetics line. The nontoxic mineral also resists water.
Photo Credit
- make up image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
