Face powders – INCI ingredients and analysis

Powders are dusted over the face with a brush or puff, either alone or on top of foundation and concealer to set them. Translucent powders add little colour, tinted versions provide light coverage, and pressed compacts are designed for touch-ups during the day. Mineral foundations in loose form are applied in thin layers with a dense brush.

The bulk of most powders is made of fillers such as TALC, MICA, SILICA, ZEA MAYS STARCH or NYLON-12. ZINC STEARATE or MAGNESIUM STEARATE improve adhesion and slip, and pressed powders also contain binders such as DIMETHICONE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE or other esters. Pigments are usually CI 77891 and iron oxides; mineral formulas may also list ZINC OXIDE and BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE.

Talc is regulated in Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, which requires a warning to keep powder away from children's nose and mouth when powdery products are intended for children under three. Some powders list SILICA or TITANIUM DIOXIDE followed by [nano], which indicates the ingredient is present as a nanomaterial. Shared lists across shades often end with a “may contain” section.