Mica is a raw material that has received increasing attention in recent years regarding its origin and sourcing. For us at BIRKENSPANNER, transparency in the supply chain is particularly important. That is why we would like to take this opportunity to give you an insight into our products and how their ingredients are sourced.

What exactly is mica?

Natural mica is a mineral (a type of phyllosilicate) that can be split into extremely thin layers and retains its characteristic shimmer even in ultrathin sheets. It is extracted directly from the Earth's crust and occurs in various geological forms.

Because of its shimmering properties, natural mica is frequently used in cosmetic products to give them a glossy or shimmery effect.

In addition to natural mica, there are now also industrially produced mineral alternatives with similar optical properties. These enable significantly better control over origins and supply chains.

What is problematic about mica?

Natural mica is mined worldwide, including in countries such as India and some regions of Africa. The origin of this raw material is increasingly being discussed within the industry—particularly with regard to working conditions and the risk of child labor in certain mining areas.

At the same time, the raw material also raises sustainability concerns: Natural mica is transported over long distances and, as a natural resource, is only available in limited quantities.

What products contain mica?

When cosmetic products shimmer or shine, mica is often responsible. For example, the mineral creates the characteristic shimmering effect in eyeshadow, blush, and nail polish.

Mica is also used in other areas, such as electrical engineering and certain building materials.

Are there alternatives to mica?

Yes. In our products, we primarily use alternatives such as fluorphlogopite and calcium sodium borosilicate.

Fluorphlogopite, also known as synthetic mica, is produced in a laboratory. Minerals such as magnesium, aluminum, and silicon are melted in a furnace. During the subsequent cooling process, care is taken to ensure that the characteristic crystal structure forms—similar to that of natural mica. This creates a highly uniform, shimmering mineral.

Calcium sodium borosilicate is also produced through a melting process. Calcium, sodium, and boron oxides are first melted together and then drawn out into a very thin layer. After cooling, this layer is crushed to create fine mineral particles. Coating them with metal oxides ultimately produces the shimmering effects and colors later seen in cosmetic products.

These alternatives are produced under controlled industrial conditions. As a result, their origins and supply chains can be traced much more effectively than those of a naturally mined raw material.

How do we handle natural mica at Birkenspanner?

Our goal is to use alternatives wherever possible that avoid the known problems associated with natural mica. That is why our products predominantly use mineral effect pigments such as Fluorphlogopite or Calcium Sodium Borosilicate.

Natural mica is still used in very few cases. At the same time, we are continuously working to find suitable alternatives for these applications as well.

The natural mica we use comes from North America. The manufacturers there are subject to the applicable labor and environmental regulations of the respective countries and are also members of the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI). This international industry initiative works to improve transparency in the mica supply chain and promote responsible mining conditions.

Where do we source our raw materials?

The vast majority of the effect pigments we use comes from controlled industrial production in Europe. We also source smaller quantities from manufacturers in the USA and Japan. In doing so, we work with selected producers whose production sites meet high standards for working conditions, environmental protection, and occupational safety.

Production follows internationally recognized management systems for quality, environmental protection, and energy efficiency, including various ISO standards as well as programs for occupational safety and sustainable corporate governance. Some of our production partners also have independent sustainability ratings, such as an EcoVadis Gold rating.