A pure mineral makeup does not require any additional preservatives or chemicals since there is nothing in the formula that can "go bad". But some products include essential oils, plant extracts, vitamins and antioxidants to provide additional benefits to your skin, which may require a preservative, so check to be sure they haven't snuck in a paraben or anything else you want to avoid.
Two main ingredients to look out for particularly in mineral makeup are talc and bismuth oxychloride. Technically, bismuth oxychloride is minerally derived, but is not naturally occurring (it's a by- product of lead and copper processing). It's also a skin irritant and if overused can cause cystic acne. It's used to bulk up the product, a filler. So you get less of what you want, and more of what you don't. Talc is a mineral from crushed talc rock, and while only the purest form is supposedly allowed for use in cosmetics, there is still concern about links to lung and ovarian cancer. This risk comes when anything less than "pure talc" makes it into cosmetics. Talc rock naturally contains traces of asbestos. Cosmetic-grade talc is supposed to be purified of any asbestos, but as a consumer, you can't know for sure.Many people are also concerned about nanoparticles - when minerals such as zinc oxide are broken down into microscopic size. When applied to healthy skin, nanoparticles are perfectly safe, resting on the surface and providing the added benefit of sunscreen. But at such a small size, the metals are able to be absorbed into the blood stream, particularly through damaged skin. There is also concern about nanoparticle metals and inhalation. That is going to happen with a mineral powder, so look for mineral products that note they are nanoparticle-free or nanotechnology free. A good thing to keep in mind when looking at sunscreens too... Ah!! Will it ever end!!! Personally, I would take a nano-zinc oxide sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen anyday.
So, that being said, here are a couple companies to consider that offer an awesome range of mineral makeup products at reasonable and even great prices. They both offer inexpensive or even free tester kits so you can find what colours and tones work best with your skin.
Erth Minerals - www.lushbrush.com - This company got it right. Completely awesome with every item you could need, samples and money back guarantee. They also offer a line of organic skin care products at great prices.
Everydayminerals.com - You have to check these guys out, just for their fun designs! Across the board 5 stars, nano-free, chemical-free, organic, vegan, sourced and made in Austin, TX. They also offer free samples and great discounts.
