Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Synthetic fluorphlogopite is a lab-grown mica look-alike made of layered magnesium aluminum silicate sheets with some fluorine substitution, used as a shimmer and pearlescent base in powders, eyeshadow, and skincare. CIR's expert panel reviewed irritation, sensitization, and genotoxicity data and concluded it's safe as used at reported concentrations up to 67%.
The word 'synthetic' next to a mineral name can read as more processed or riskier than 'natural mica.' The evidence points the other way on this one: natural mica mining has documented labor and contamination problems, and natural mica flakes can carry trace heavy metals. Lab-grown fluorphlogopite is made from purified starting materials under controlled conditions, giving more uniform particles and lower heavy-metal impurities than the natural mineral. CIR's panel found it non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and not genotoxic at concentrations up to 67% in both leave-on and rinse-off products.
Products with Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
- 100Giorgio ArmaniLip Maestro Liquid Lipstick - 405 Sultan
- 100wet n wildColor Icon Eyeshadow Single - Brulee
- 99L'OrealTrue Match Super-Blendable Foundation
- 95Rare BeautyLiquid Touch Weightless Foundation
- 95MaybellineLash Sensational Sky High Mascara
- 95LancomeLash Idole Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
- 94e.l.f.Halo Glow Liquid Filter
- 94MaybellineEyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
- 92RhodePeptide Lip Tint - Toast
- 92GlossierUltralip
- 88YSLLoveshine Lip Oil Stick
- 82Tom FordLip Color Matte Lipstick - 10 Cherry Lush
- 78CoppertoneGlow Hydragel Sunscreen SPF 30
- 77Fenty BeautyGloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer - Fenty Glow
- 77CoppertoneGlow Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
- 57LancomeJuicy Tubes Original Lip Gloss - Framboise
- 56L'Oreal ParisColour Riche Satin Lipstick
- 54Rimmel LondonLasting Finish Lipstick
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.