As someone who loves skincare, I've always been fascinated by the colors in many personal care products. But have you ever stopped to think about where those colors and shimmers come from? What goes into the process before that cute palette or lipstick comes into your hands?
The cosmetic industry is the largest consumer of colors, glitters, and shimmers. Unfortunately, much of the mica used in cosmetics comes from India, where child mining and worker exploitation are the norm. It's heartbreaking to know that children as young as five are forced to work in illegal mines because their parents can't afford to send them to school. These mines are incredibly dangerous, and workers are not provided with protective conditions. Narrow tunnels often crumble, claiming the lives of innocent young children who are forced into this unfair, life-threatening labor.
Mica is one of the pillars of big brands and commercial makeup in the world. This mineral adds color, a delicate shimmer, and reflective shine to cosmetics. But at what cost? Most of us don't think about the human toll behind the makeup we wear every day. The middlemen and world traders buy 1 kilogram of mined mica for about Rs 10 INR, but the world market price is around $1,400 USD for 1 kilogram. These illegal mines exploit workers who are not paid enough to sustain themselves, and no deaths are reported in the fear of losing the only source of income.
So, what can we do about it? As consumers, we have the power to make conscious choices regarding our personal care products. We can start by looking out for mica in the ingredients list of our makeup products. Some other names for mica include ‘potassium aluminum silicate,’ and ‘CI 77019’. We can also ask our cosmetic brands what they use to color their products.
But simply avoiding mica isn't enough. We need to choose products that are made with plant-based colors and avoid products that have unnecessary purposeless glitter in them. The most ethical choice would be to support sustainable businesses that make products by hand and follow fair-trade practices. By supporting these businesses, we can help make a difference in the lives of those who are exploited through the mica industry.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the scope of the issue, but every little step towards ethical consumption makes a difference. We are all in this together to make the world a better place. So, the next time you're in the market for new makeup, consider choosing mining-free beauty products. Let's make a change, one purchase at a time.
Why I Choose Plant-Based Colors
As someone who cares about the environment, I try to make conscious choices about the products I use. That's why I choose plant-based colors for my makeup.
Not only are plant-based colors safer for the environment, but they're also safer for your skin. These colors are derived from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and plants. They don't contain any synthetic dyes or chemicals that could irritate your skin, and they're often gentler than their synthetic counterparts.
Choosing plant-based colors is also a great way to support sustainable businesses. These colors are often produced by small, independent companies that prioritize sustainability and fair-trade practices. By choosing these companies over big brands that use mica, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are exploited through the mica industry.
How You Can Make a Difference
If you're passionate about ethical consumption and want to make a difference, there are several things you can do:
Look for mica-free products: Check the ingredients list of your makeup products and avoid anything that contains mica or other harmful minerals.
Choose plant-based colors: Look for products that use natural, plant-based colors instead of synthetic dyes or chemicals.
Support sustainable businesses: Choose to buy from small, independent companies that prioritize sustainability and fair-trade practices.
Spread the word: Share this information with your friends and family to help raise awareness about the issue.
By taking these small steps, we can all make a difference in the world. Let's choose mining-free beauty products and support sustainable businesses. Together, we can help put an end to the exploitation in the mica industry.
Sea & Me is a company that prioritizes ethical consumption and sustainability. We do not use mica to color our soaps and shampoo bars. Instead, we use herbs that are safer for the environment and your skin. By choosing Sea & Me products, you can trust that you're making a difference in the world and supporting sustainable businesses. Let's work together to put an end to the exploitation in the mica industry.
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