Crafts & DIY

The Truth About Mica Colorants: Why We Choose Botanical Alternatives When it comes to skincare, ingredients really matter. More and more, people want to know exactly what’s going into the products they use, and that includes the colorants used in everything from soaps to balms. One of the most widely used colorants is mica—a mineral that gives products that shimmery, sparkly finish. But there’s a darker side to mica that not everyone knows about. At Leoluri, we’ve made the decision to completely avoid using mica in our products. Instead, we rely on natural, plant-based colorants from herbs, spices, and clays that not only give beautiful color but also offer real benefits for your skin. Here’s why we made that choice. The Problem with MicaMica may look pretty, but there are serious ethical issues tied to its production. In many regions, especially in India and Madagascar, mica is mined under incredibly dangerous conditions. What’s worse, child labor is shockingly common in these mines. Thousands of children work long hours in hazardous environments for very little pay, often at the expense of their education and health. A report by Terre des Hommes highlights these disturbing practices and the impact mica mining has on children’s rights. Please read more about this in this publication: https://www.terredeshommes.nl/en/publications/global-mica-mining-and-the-impact-on-children-s-rights. For us, beauty should never come at the cost of someone’s well-being. That’s why we’ve committed to using safer, more sustainable alternatives to mica in our products. And, as it turns out, nature provides some amazing options. Nature’s Color Palette: Our Botanical AlternativesInstead of relying on mica, we’ve found incredible colorants in plants, herbs, and clays that not only add vibrant hues but also offer skincare benefits. Let’s dive into some of our favorite natural colorants and what makes them so special. 1. PaprikaPaprika gives our products a gorgeous warm red-orange tone. Derived from dried bell peppers, this spice is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and capsaicin, which can help soothe and calm the skin. It’s a natural multitasker! 2. Curcumin (Turmeric)Turmeric is well-known for its striking golden-yellow color, and it’s been used for centuries in skincare. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a fantastic ingredient for reducing redness and helping skin look its best. 3. Annatto SeedThis natural dye comes from the seeds of the achiote tree and creates a vibrant reddish-orange color. Annatto is also known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a great option for promoting skin health while adding a beautiful color. 4. Majistha PowderAlso called Indian Madder, majistha gives a deep reddish-brown hue to our products. Beyond its color, majistha is known in Ayurveda for promoting healthy blood flow and detoxifying the skin, which is especially helpful for those dealing with blemishes or uneven skin tone. 5. SpirulinaSpirulina is a type of blue-green algae that lends a unique teal-green color. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, it offers anti-aging benefits by fighting off free radicals and improving skin elasticity—plus, it gives your products that fresh, natural green tint. 6. Algae and ChlorellaThese bright green pigments come from algae and chlorella, both of which are full of chlorophyll, vitamins, and antioxidants. They work wonders for rejuvenating the skin, calming irritation, and adding a lovely natural green tone to our formulations. 7. IndigoIndigo powder, extracted from the leaves of the Indigofera plant, creates a beautiful blue color. It’s also known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe irritated or sensitive skin. 8. ClaysNatural clays like French green clay, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay come in a variety of shades and are often used both as colorants and detoxifiers. These clays help draw out impurities, leaving your skin clean and refreshed while adding subtle earth-toned hues to products. Why We Love Botanical ColorantsThe beauty of plant-based colorants is that they do more than just give our products a pop of color—they also benefit your skin. Unlike synthetic or mineral-based pigments, these natural ingredients often come with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and essential vitamins that nourish the skin. Whether it’s turmeric helping with redness or spirulina offering anti-aging benefits, these colorants work double duty to support healthy, glowing skin. Making Ethical Beauty ChoicesWe believe in creating skincare products that are not only good for your skin but also kind to the planet and its people. By choosing botanical colorants over mica, we’re able to offer safe, effective products without compromising our values. We’re proud to make choices that reflect our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. In the end, we believe beauty should enhance, not harm. That’s why we’re dedicated to creating products that are as beautiful inside as they are outside—without exploiting the Earth or its people.