What it is
Bismuth Oxychloride is a white powder that seldom occurs in nature. Because it comes from the earth, it can contain traces of heavy metals in low concentrations and therefore aren’t a risk for human health. More often instead, it is manufactured by combining bismuth, a by-product of lead and copper metal refining, with chloride and water.
What it does
Bismuth Oxychloride has a white powder texture that adheres well to skin. This helps makeup stay on longer. It also gives skin a silky feel and either a white shimmer or pearlescent matte finish. The glow reflects light away from the skin, helping to hide wrinkles and fine lines.
It is also used as a coloring agent: it imparts a white color to cosmetics and personal care products.
In addition, it is an absorbent agent and a thickener.
Side effects
Bismuth Oxychloride often causes irritations, redness, itching, rashes and inflammation. In addition, it can worsen acne and rosacea. Because Bismuth Oxychloride has large molecules, it tends to slide off skin. For this reasons, companies recommend to keep buffing it on skin but this can worse the irritating and inflammation.
Bismuth Oxychloride is not allowed to be used in lip products.
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Found this very informative
I was still wondering if I should get Maybelline’s Mineral Powder but after reading this totally killed my lemming.
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Lisa: Do you mean their powder foundation? I’m using that and although I try to steer clear of products containing this ingredients it says on the label only that it MAY contain Bismuth Oxychloride. So, I’m not sure if Bismuth is even in the product, it may contain a lot or nothing at all. I didn’t have any negative reactions but you might want to stay away from it if it causes problems for you.
I have used Bare Minerals for years. Have had several health issues, like a hysterectomy full of cysts last year and terrible bloating and digestive issues since. I just had a hair test test done for heavy metals because of all the problems to find what might be the problem. The test came back “very high” for Bismuth and “high” for Titanium. Am not sure the reasons for the other heavy metals, but am sure Bare Minerals is the culprit for the Bismuth and Titanium. If your experience health issues, please contact a Chiropractor to have a heavy metal test as well. I will surely check ingredients from now on, and will never use cosmetics with these two ingredients again.
Helen Madison, I’m sorry to hear that, it’s really awful. I hope you are well now. It seems strange to me though that Bare Escentuals was the cause of your problems as the amount of Bismuth Oxychloride and Titanium Dioxide used in cosmetics are small and safe for use, especially when they are only used topically and not inhaled or ingested. But I guess it’s a good idea to stay away from them, just to be on the safe side..
Honestly, I’m not a fan of Bismuth Oxychloride. It breaks me out like no other.
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That’s too bad, I’m sorry! Unfortunately Bismuth Oxycloride causes allergic reactions and other negative reactions to a lot of people.
Can anyone recommend a good, high-end face powder that does not contain Bismuth Oxychloride?
Thanks
Jolloy, although I haven’t tried it myself (I usually use drugstore face powders), I’m pretty sure Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder doesn’t contain this ingredient. I hope this helps.