The whole “natural mineral makeup” idea has come under a whole lot of scrutiny lately, leaving many to believe that the idea of natural mineral makeup is a fallacy. Yes, while mineral makeup may be more natural than many other traditional forms of makeup that use any number of animal, vegetable, and chemically synthesized products, to find a natural mineral makeup can seem completely impossible.

What is Natural Mineral Makeup?

The idea behind natural mineral makeup is that it is makeup derived from minerals that are naturally found in our earth. No chemicals, no dyes, and zero preservatives are supposed to be used in these products, three things that can be found in almost all other makeup products out there today.

Back in the 1970s when mineral makeup first came out, it was quite natural. Over the past 30 to 40 years, however, this market has boomed as women have become increasingly unsatisfied with the conventional makeup market, causing several of these mainstream makeup companies to jump onto the “natural mineral makeup” bandwagon without offering just that – “natural” mineral makeup. Several of these companies still pack in tons of unnecessary dyes and preservatives into their products in hopes of tricking clueless buyers into purchasing their “trusted” and highly advertized products.

What is in Natural Mineral Makeup?

Mineral makeup generally consists of some of the same ingredients, such as the minerals mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

Some may argue that today’s conventional makeup products also contain these minerals, but do not forget just what natural mineral makeup is eliminating – dyes, preservatives, perfumes, bonding products, and other synthetic materials.

Why would someone Choose Natural Mineral Makeup?

Natural mineral makeup may be a choice amongst women for many reasons. A lot of women who use natural mineral makeup rave about how it makes their skin glow, a glow that cannot be replicated by any other makeup products. Others with more sensitive or acne prone skin swear that mineral makeup helps actually reduce their breakouts as it does not clog their pores like other makeup products do. Animal rights activists support natural mineral makeup as it is not using any animal products whatsoever to create the product, and mineral makeup is almost often never tested on animals (you can check out the PETA website for a full list of cosmetic companies that do not test on animals if you have any doubts).

Here’s another reason to choose mineral makeup: It has a natural SPF rating of 15! A lot of controversy has arisen over the use of sunscreen, with many scientists claiming that sunscreen actually may be more damaging to our health than the sun itself given the load of unhealthy chemical products are contained within it.

What one has to bear in mind is that the natural mineral makeup industry is one that is very, very loosely regulated. What may be considered “natural” by the company that is selling the product may very well be something that is not thought of to be “natural” by you. Always read the labels to these products and be on the look out for any less-than-natural ingredients.