Eye makeup, particularly eye shadow, consists of various ingredients that help create the desired appearance and texture. The main ingredients in eye shadows include base fillers, binders, slip, and preservatives
. Some common ingredients found in eye shadows are:
- Base fillers : These are usually minerals such as mica, talc, or kaolin clay, which add bulk and texture to the eye shadow. They make up about 30% of eye shadow powders and 25% of cream eye shadows
. Mica absorbs moisture, gives the eye shadow shine and luster, and makes it opaque
- Binders : These help the eye shadow adhere to the skin. Eye shadows can have dry or liquid binders. Zinc and magnesium, both white powders, are commonly used as dry binders. Zinc also adds color and can be used to increase the thickness of the eyeshadow
- Slip : This ingredient is used to make the shadow glide easier. It is not always used but, when present, mainly consists of silica, nylon, dimethicone, boron nitride, or other materials
- Pigments and colorants : These are used to give the eye shadow its color. Common pigments include iron oxides and clays
- Emollients and texture enhancers : These ingredients help to improve the texture and feel of the eye shadow. Examples include vegetable oils, which slow down the loss of water from the skin and form a barrier on the skin's surface
- Preservatives and antioxidants : These are used to maintain the quality and safety of the eye shadow
When choosing eye makeup products, it is essential to consider the ingredients and opt for those that are natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, as they are less likely to cause irritation or disrupt hormones
