Mica powder is lightweight and flexible. It’s resistant to heat, which makes it a favorite material for the electronic industry. However, it’s the pearly luster of its flakes that make it popular in cosmetics and skin care products. It’s primarily used as a colorant but is also a mild abrasive, as well as a thickening and smoothing agent.

Mica is a natural stone mineral with shiny flakes. When mica is ground into a powder, you get mica powder. Mica powders are therefore sparkly, sort of like very fine glitter. They’re used to give a metallic or shimmery pearl-like effect. They come in many colors. Pearl Ex is a popular brand of pure mica powder.