Rowan & Thistle

PLATE No. 046

Ingredient Collection

Mica & Lab-Created Mica

Mica (Mineral Group) / Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Illustrated plate for Mica & Lab-Created Mica: a block of layered mica, six small mounds of cosmetic mica pigment in greens, rose, ochre and sand, a cluster of clear hexagonal mica flakes seen magnified, and a heap of shimmering green pearlescent pigment.

Figure Key

  • Fig. 1 Mica, Layered Structure
  • Fig. 2 Cosmetic Mica Pigments
  • Fig. 3 Mica Particles, Magnified
  • Fig. 4 Pearlescent Mica Pigment

The Ingredient

Mica is a mineral valued for its ability to reflect light, creating beautiful color, subtle shimmer, and pearlescent finishes in cosmetic products. It can be naturally occurring or laboratory-created, with both forms sharing a distinctive layered structure. When combined with cosmetic colorants, mica-based pigments produce everything from soft, muted shades to rich, luminous colors.

From Plant to Ingredient

  1. Mica & Lab-Created Mica, step 1 — The Layered Mineral: a block of mica built up from thin, flaking layers.

    1. The Layered Mineral

    Natural mica belongs to a family of minerals known for their exceptionally thin, layered crystal structures. Lab-created mica reproduces this characteristic structure through a controlled manufacturing process.

  2. Mica & Lab-Created Mica, step 2 — Creating Cosmetic Color: six small mounds of mica pigment in greens, rose, ochre and sand.

    2. Creating Cosmetic Color

    Mica and lab-created mica can be combined with cosmetic colorants, including mineral pigments, to produce a wide range of shades. Different combinations create everything from soft, earthy colors to vibrant, pearlescent finishes.

  3. Mica & Lab-Created Mica, step 3 — How Mica Reflects Light: a cluster of clear, hexagonal mica flakes catching the light.

    3. How Mica Reflects Light

    Mica particles have thin, flat surfaces that reflect light. Some pearlescent pigments also use specialized mineral coatings that change how light interacts with the particles, producing their characteristic shimmer.

Why We Chose It

Color is an important part of the visual character of our products. Mica-based pigments allow us to create everything from understated botanical greens to rich, earthy tones and subtle pearlescent finishes. We use a variety of cosmetic pigments, including lab-created mica, and appreciate the alternatives these materials provide to relying exclusively on traditionally mined mica.

What You'll Notice

  • Rich Color — Adds beautiful shades ranging from soft botanical tones to deeper, more saturated colors.
  • Subtle Shimmer — Creates delicate light-reflecting effects without necessarily appearing glittery.
  • Pearlescent Finish — Gives certain pigments a luminous, softly reflective appearance.

Botanical Profile

Scientific Name
Mica (Mineral Group) / Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
INCI Name
Mica / Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Plant Part Used
Not plant-derived
Final Ingredient
Cosmetic Pigment
Origin
Naturally occurring mineral deposits and laboratory-created alternatives. Geographic origin varies by source.

A Closer Look

Mica's shimmer comes from something surprisingly simple: its shape. Rather than forming rounded particles, mica has an exceptionally thin, layered structure that allows light to reflect from its surfaces. In certain pearlescent pigments, microscopic mineral coatings create additional optical effects, producing colors that appear to glow or shift as the viewing angle changes. Lab-created mica reproduces this layered structure without requiring the mica itself to be mined.

Products Featuring Mica & Lab-Created Mica Featured In

An illustrated guide to the botanicals, ingredients, and materials that shape Rowan & Thistle

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