Mineral Makeup FAQ: What does micro-formulated or micronized mean?

Question from Julie: Many mineral make-up brands advertised as being micro-formulated or as containing micronized minerals. Does this mean that they use nano technology in their production process?


Answer: Many mineral makeups are micronized - which means that they are finer particles than mineral makeup brands that contain crushed minerals. Advocates of micronized minerals (mainly the companies that sell them) say that because the particles are smaller they give a smoother and finer finish.

Extremely small micronized particles are called nano-particles. Nano-particles are used primarily in skin care, especially sunscreen. There has been some concern that the nanoparticles are small enough to enter into the blood stream of the body, either through the skin or by breathing it in and that they may pose a health risk.

I am in the process of researching this topic and as far as I have been able to determine, none of the companies on this website use nanoparticles in their mineral makeup. Because of the potential risk with nanoparticles, I personally would not knowingly use a product that contained them and I am currently researching and contacting companies to ensure that they do not contain nanoparticles, although they may have micronized minerals.
These brands do not contain micronized minerals:
Affordable Mineral Makeup
Bare Escentuals