Powdered Minerals & Grains

Texturizers: Powdered Minerals and Grains for Cosmetics

Texturizers are primarily composed of natural minerals and crystals (e.g. silicates, bismuth, magnesium and others). They are fine powders with effective thickening, filling and stabilizing properties for cosmetic products. They are widely used as basic components in all kinds of makeup products including foundations, face powders, lipsticks, eye shadows, mascara and more. In addition, some texturizers provide special effects such as emulsifying (e.g. magnesium stearate) or pearlizing effects (e.g. bismuth oxychloride).

How Do Powdered Minerals Function in Cosmetic Formulations?

Powdered minerals work to texturize formulas by absorbing excess oils, scattering light, and creating smooth application properties in color cosmetics. These finely milled particles fill microscopic irregularities on skin surfaces, creating an airbrushed appearance while controlling shine. Silica, for example, absorbs up to 1.5 times its weight in sebum, making it essential in mattifying foundations and setting powders. Mica particles reflect light at multiple angles, softening the appearance of fine lines and pores through optical diffusion.

It’s good to keep in mind the particle size of texturizers directly affects product performance and skin feel. Micronized powdered minerals (2-20 microns) provide superior blendability and imperceptible finish on skin. Larger grain particles (20-50 microns) offer more coverage and oil absorption but may feel grittier during application. Professional formulators select particle sizes for texturizers based on desired coverage, finish, and sensory experience.

Types of Texturizers for Different Cosmetic Applications

There are three types of texturizers common in cosmetic formulations:

• Mineral texturizers
• Functional texturizers
• Specialty texturizers

Powdered mineral texturizers serve distinct functions in cosmetics beyond basic thickening. For instance, kaolin clay absorbs moisture and oil while providing slip and adhesion in powder formulations. Use kaolin at 5-15% in face powders and dry shampoos for effective oil control without excessive drying. Meanwhile, talc creates silky texture and improves color payoff in pressed powders, though many cosmetic formulators now substitute it with alternative powdered grains like rice powder or cornstarch for clean-label appeal.

Functional texturizers combine structural benefits with active performance. Some of the most-common are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide both UV protection and opacity in foundations and sunscreens. Boron nitride creates a soft-focus effect that blurs imperfections while improving product spreadability. Nylon-12 powder absorbs oils and provides a velvety finish in primers and mattifying products, typically used at a 2-8% concentration.

Finally, specialty texturizers deliver unique visual effects in color cosmetics. Bismuth oxychloride creates a pearlescent shimmer in eyeshadows and highlighters through light interference. Synthetic fluorphlogopite provides intense sparkle without the irritation potential of natural mica. And sericite mica offers subtle luminosity and improved adhesion in powder formulations, making it ideal for long-wearing makeup products.

Selecting Powdered Grains for Your Cosmetic Formulation Goals

Your finish preference determines which texturizers work best in your cosmetic formulas. Matte formulations benefit from silica and kaolin for oil absorption. Luminous products require mica and bismuth oxychloride for light reflection. While long-wearing cosmetics need nylon powders and treated minerals for improved adhesion. Combine multiple powdered minerals and powdered grains in your cosmetics to achieve balanced texture, coverage, and performance in professional makeup formulations.

Reach out to us at MakingCosmetics with any questions or to order texturizers for your cosmetics today!