Question from MGR
I switched to mineral makeup because it contains fewer chemicals and synthetic ingredients. However, I have recently read that it is unsafe to inhale titanium dioxide and kaolin, which are common ingredients in mineral makeup. It is difficult to apply loose powder mineral makeup without inhaling some of the dust — does anyone know if this is something to be genuinely concerned about?
Thanks
Debra’s Answer
One thing that is important to keep in mind regarding assessing danger is how much of a potentially hazardous substance your are exposed to. Remember “the dose makes the poison.”
A lot of the toxicity data that is available comes from safety standards set for workplace exposure, not consumer exposure. I’ve seen many products contain ingredients that are “dust hazards” in the workplace, but at home, we use so little there is hardly a dust hazard. Think of scouring powder, for example.
The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for the workplace is 15 milligrams per cubic meter. Same for kaolin. All day long. You’re applying your makeup for less than a minute.
Keep in mind that this is a dust hazard, it’s a mechanical particle thing. It is the same for any dust. Mineral makeup isn’t any more dusty than any other face powder or body powder or baking flour. It’s all dust.
I’m not concerned about it.
