Updated on January 10, 2024

100+ Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands Using Ethical Mica

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Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands Using Ethical Mica

Here it is! A master list of cruelty-free makeup brands that have confirmed their mica is ethically-sourced without child labor. It took me months to compile this list but I know it’s something many of you have been asking for.

If you’re not aware of the widespread issue of child labor and labor abuse in Indian mica mines, I suggest reading this post of everything you need to know about this controversial shimmery makeup ingredient.

About This Ethical Mica Makeup List

I reached out to all of the cruelty-free makeup brands in my Brand Directory to ask if they use ethically-sourced mica that’s child-labor-free. I learned from each company that responded and I researched to get a better understanding of the best solutions for sourcing natural mica responsibly and ethically. I then analyzed every response I received to determine if I believe the company is doing everything it possibly can to ensure its mica is ethically-sourced.

I’ve also included a separate list, at the bottom, of cruelty-free makeup brands that are only using synthetic mica that’s made in a lab, and therefore no child labor is involved.

*Note that this list is exclusively for brands that are (1) listed in our cruelty-free directory and have met our cruelty-free standards and (2) that offer some makeup products. I’m currently working on a separate list for nail polish brands, skin & body care brands, and haircare brands.

Cruelty-Free & Ethical Mica Makeup Brands

I have confirmed the following list of cruelty-free makeup brands have ensured their natural mica is ethically-sourced without child labor and have verified this with their mica suppliers through documentation, certificates, third-party audits, or their members of the Responsible Mica Initiative.

If you want to know and learn more about the responses I received from each brand, I’ve been adding their email responses at the very bottom of their corresponding brand page. See below for how to find the brand’s response to their ethical mica sourcing policy.

This will now be a requirement for all cruelty-free brands before they’re approved and listed in our Directory.

Cruelty-Free Brands Using Synthetic Mica Only

The following cruelty-free makeup brands are currently or working towards using only synthetic mica in their collection. Synthetic mica is made in a lab and therefore no child labor is involved.

*Fairypants and VE Cosmetics are both working to switch to using only synthetic mica by end of the year

There are several cruelty-free makeup brands that I never heard back from but I will keep trying.

However, if after multiple attempts, brands that fail to address if their mica is ethically-sourced, will no longer be listed in our Cruelty-Free Brand Directory.

For example, I’ve reached out to Anastasia Beverly Hills four times in the past year and I’ve never received a response from the brand. Because of their lack of transparency, I’ve decided to remove them from my master list of cruelty-free brands.

This is part of our ongoing process to redefine what it means to be a “truly cruelty-free” brand in 2021. Stay tuned for more updates!


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What do you think

14 thoughts on “100+ Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands Using Ethical Mica”

  1. After reading about how most shimmers are created using plastic, I was excited to find a list that used cruelty-free mica. However, the article I read suggested looking specifically for synthetic mica because it biodegrades. But surely natural mica isn’t as bad for the environment as plastic glitter…right?

  2. Did you reach out to BeautyCounter? From what I understand, they are cruelty-free and they source their mica from ethical sources. I don’t know where you live, so I don’t know if this brand is available in your country, so I thought I would ask since they weren’t listed.

    1. Hi S.

      BeautyCounter is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny but I’ve chosen not to list or include them in my brand directory or blog because they’re considered an MLM.

  3. I have been buying cruelty-free for several years now, but also want to use products w/o child labor. It’s been pretty challenging to find out which companies use ethically-sourced mica. Thank you for compiling this!

  4. Hi I just did some of my own research and Kulfi a new clean brand at Sephora US and Canada have informed me that they use ethical mica. Could you please update the list to include them? And I’m curious how did you determine if Chantecaille, Charlotte Tilbury, and Makeup Revolution use ethical mica? Thank you

    1. Great timing! I just verified Kulfi’s cruelty-free and vegan status this week so they’re now included in our brand directory.

      If you ever want to read more about any of the above brand’s ethical mica mining policy, you can click on the brand name from this post and it’ll redirect you to their listing page. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the article and you should find “Ethical Mica Mining Policy” where you can read the responses I received from each brand.

      Chantecaille – https://ethicalelephant.com/is-chantecaille-cruelty-free-vegan/#h-ethical-mica-mining-policy
      Charlotte Tilbury – https://ethicalelephant.com/charlotte-tilbury-cruelty-free-vegan/#h-ethical-mica-mining-policy
      Makeup Revolution – https://ethicalelephant.com/makeup-revolution-cruelty-free-vegan/#h-ethical-mica-mining-policy

  5. Absolutely love this list, it‘s shocking that hardly anybody knows about the horrifying story behind mica. Have you looked into saie? On their website q&a, they state their mica is ethically sourced.

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