Mica powder pigments have a lot of alluring features. They shine in the light. They tend to exhibit stunning colors, and they're usually natural—though occasionally one has synthetic additives.

One way to classify pigments is to categorize them as edible or not edible. There are some that can be used in food, or incidentally ingested, whereas many others are simply unsafe to consume in any amount.

But which side of the fence do mica pigments fall on in this regard? In this article we'll explain whether mica pigments are edible—and to what extent—then we'll talk about mica safety and what to be mindful of when using mica powder pigments.

Are Mica Pigments Edible?

The first thing to understand is that mica itself is considered non-toxic and can be safe in small quantities. That doesn't mean you should eat it, though. It just means that you won't be poisoned from accidental ingestion.

That being said, there are many times when mica pigments are not edible (safe to eat). This is because in order to achieve various colors, mica pigments often include secondary additives—sometimes natural, sometimes synthetic—which are what cause the pigment to provide vibrant tones that are otherwise outside of mica's inherent range.

We recommend against eating any mica pigments, i.e., by using them in cooking or as a garnish for food.

Is Mica FDA Approved?

Mica on its own is permitted by the FDA for use in cosmetics of all kinds. But as mentioned before, mica is often combined with other additives to achieve a wider range of tones, and these additives vary on whether they are considered acceptable or not.

For instance, the mineral "titanium dioxide" is also permitted for full use in cosmetics, whereas any of the minerals labeled "chromium oxide green" are permitted for eye cosmetics, but not for general use which would include lips.

Because some mica pigments include additives permitted for general use, while others include some which aren't—or both!—we highly recommend avoiding the use of mica pigments in ways that might cause ingestion unless you're absolutely certain that they don't include any additives that have been deemed unsafe for general use.

Does Mica Contain Lead?

No mica is a distinct set of minerals, none of which are lead.

Moreover, mica pigments absolutely should not contain lead. If a mica pigment is found to have lead, it has likely accumulated during or after initial processing. Be wary of acquiring mica pigments from unreliable sources.

At Pigmently, our mica powder pigments are premium-grade, made from a reliable source with filtered, high-quality ingredients.

Is Mica Good or Bad for Your Skin?

Neither, honestly. Mica is a fairly neutral group of minerals. Though it has no restorative properties, it shouldn't bring any negative effects, either—barring a rare allergy, that is.

Pigmently: Your Trusted Source for Premium Mica Powder

At Pigmently, we're committed to providing premium colorants for DIY creators of any skill level. All of our mica powder pigments are produced to a carefully refined formula.

By using only high-grade ingredients to ensure clean and potent results, we're able to maintain our high standards for quality assurance. This allows us to offer our users a selection of exceptional pigments that blend incredibly well with epoxy resin.

In our store, you'll find a wide array of premium mica powders to use in your creations. You can also view our premium liquid dyes collection, which are also suited for epoxy resin projects. Finally, we also carry the excellent Primaloc Art and Craft Epoxy.

If you find yourself interested in multiple shades, consider our curated Colorant Value Bundles, which are cost-effective ways to obtain a variety of colorful mica powder pigments.