Many rosaceans can benefit greatly from some sort of tint to cover the redness associated with blushing and flushing. But the hyper-sensitive nature of rosacea skin, means that we need to be cautious of anything we put on our skin.
I suppose I want to touch on the topic of Bismuth Oxychloride because I am particularly sensitive to it and I have heard so many stories from other rosaceans who are sensitive to it too. All people have their own chemical makeup, and some will have problems while others won't. However IMHO, I would avoid it where possible.
Mineral makeup is becoming ever popular as we become more and more conscious of what we are putting onto our skin and bodies, especially for those with rosacea. Because of this increased awareness people are asking more questions. And one of the most popular questions is about the ingredient Bismuth Oxychloride. People want to know what it is and why it is in so many brands of mineral cosmetics.
Bismuth is the by-product of lead and copper refining, as well as other metals to a smaller degree. Bismuth occurs very rarely in nature. It is on the periodic table of elements under the symbol Bi at atomic number 83. It is very heavy and chemically resembles arsenic and antimony.
Companies use this in their cosmetics because it is cheap to buy and is an inexpensive filler. It does have binding qualities, so the makeup will "stick" to your skin, so to speak. There are other products that are just as effective at adhesion, and are better for your skin. Because of its molecular make up, it is often viewed as shiny or pearlescent. It is often sold in these two varieties. This makes it highly refractive, which is something companies want. Refraction will camouflage fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations. If you use a brand with Bismuth Oxychloride you'll notice a shiny look after applying the makeup. Not like oiliness, but almost shimmery. That's the Bismuth Oxychloride.
It's a very heavy element, which makes it difficult for many people to wear. It has to be forced into the pores (hence the buffing technique) otherwise it is capable of sliding off the wearer's face. The heaviness can result in clogged pores or irritated skin. Bismuth oxychloride often feels silky and not rough when rubbed between the fingers. Mineral makeup companies that do not use it have a lighter feeling makeup that usually blends into the skin better and with less effort.
People using products made with Bismuth Oxychloride and who are allergic to it complain of clogged pores, papules, pustules, whiteheads, extreme blackhead problems, itchiness, irritation and more. Doesn't sound very attractive does it?!
Its molecular makeup is a crystalline shape, which may be a cause of the itchiness some people get when they wear it. Many people experience noticeable itching when they sweat. Don't forget it is also kin to arsenic, chemically. Your body will reject things it does not like, and if you'll get sick from ingesting arsenic, it would make sense that your skin would get irritated from having arsenic forced into it.
I found a really good list on the web for those who are sensitive to Bismuth Oxychloride and Mica (that's another subject again).
Non-bismuth oxychloride mineral makeup:
- Abby St. Clare
- Ada Cosmetics
- Alima
- Alpha Skin Care
- Aromaleigh
- Artemis
- bareFaced Minerals
- Beaute Mineral
- Beauty Bliss
- Beauty Wise Cosmetics
- Canary
- Coastal Cosmetics
- Ennvoy
- Evan's Garden (but contains cornstarch)
- Everyday Minerals
- Free Spirit Beauty
- Fusion of Color Cosmetics
- GeoGrafx Mineral Cosmetics
- Herbal Natures
- Herbs of Grace
- J.Lynne Cosmetics
- Larenim Mineral Makeup
- LaurEss
- Let's Face It (also contains 100% silk powder)
- M A D Minerals
- MeLange
- Miessence
- Mineral Basics
- Mineral Boutique
- Mineral Essence
- Minreal Pure Makeup
- Mineral Silk
- Minerals by Sandra
- Nature's Infusions (some may contain mica)
- The Organic Make-Up Company
- Pampered Princess
- Pura Minerals (not to be confused with Pur Minerals)
- Pure Luxe
- Sevi
- Strata Cosmetics
- Twisted Fayte
- Valerie Beauty
Non-bismuth oxychloride and non-mica mineral makeup:
-bareFaced Minerals (Velvet Glove and Velvet Plush and Neutral shades in the Original)
- Cory Cosmetics
- Earth's Beauty
- Raesin Images (but is micronized - the only one who does this - why?)
Mineral makeup containing bismuth oxychloride:
- Au Courant
- Bare Escentuals
- Baresense pureMinerals
- Colorscience
- EMANI
- Face, etc.
- Glominerals
- Jane Iredale
- La Bella Donna
- Mineral Secrets
- Philosophy The Supernatural Powder Airbrushed Canvas
- Pixxidust Minerals
- Pur Minerals
- Sheer Cover
- True Colors
- Youngblood
This check list is for those who want a change or who are experiencing irritation and inflammation. Irritation can occur immediately or it can creep up on you, making it hard to pinpoint the source of irritation. I repeat, Bismuth is only bad for those who are sensitive to it, not everyone,