Sericite Powder is a fine-grade natural mica mineral powder with a pH value of 6.5 (pH meter method), widely used as a base ingredient in decorative cosmetics and colour cosmetics formulations. Sericite is a fine-grained, silky variety of muscovite mica that delivers exceptional skin adhesion, silky smooth texture, and a soft-focus light-diffusing effect that minimises the appearance of fine lines, pores, and skin imperfections. Its outstanding optical properties, skin-feel, and compatibility with pigments make it a foundational ingredient in premium cosmetic powder formulations.
Applications:
- Colour Cosmetics (face powders, pressed powders, foundations, setting powders)
- Eye Cosmetics (eyeshadows, blushes, highlighters, bronzers)
- Skincare (mattifying and pore-blurring primers, BB and CC creams)
- Mineral Cosmetics (natural mineral makeup formulations)
Key Features & Benefits:
- pH 6.5 – stable, cosmetic-grade sericite mica powder
- Exceptional skin adhesion and long-wearing performance
- Silky smooth texture with superior skin feel
- Soft-focus light diffusion minimises appearance of fine lines and pores
- Excellent pigment compatibility for colour cosmetic formulations
Sericite is a fine mica
Sericite is a fine-grained form of muscovite mica and is labelled with the INCI name “Mica”. Its thin, flat platelets give powders a silky slip, skin adhesion and a soft-focus finish. Grades differ in particle size, whiteness and surface treatment: coated grades (for example with silicones or amino acids) press better and repel water. Ask for the particle size distribution and any coating used.
Purity and safety
Colour cosmetics must meet heavy metal limits, so ask for lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury results on every lot. Fine powders can be inhaled during production and in loose powder products; use dust control in the factory and consider particle size for loose formats. For other powder fillers, see Silicon Dioxide.
Responsible sourcing
Parts of the global mica supply chain have been linked to child labour. Many brands now ask suppliers for traceability or responsible-sourcing declarations for mica; ask FC for the documentation you need.
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis
- INCI name (Mica) and any surface treatment
- Particle size distribution, whiteness and pH
- Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)
- Microbiology (total aerobic count, yeast and mould)
- Batch number, manufacture and retest dates; responsible-sourcing declaration
