Quality Assurance and Safety
Given the product’s use in cosmetics, quality assurance is rigorous. Every batch (500 kg) undergoes three key tests: (1) Heavy metal analysis via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to ensure Pb, As, and Cd levels are below cosmetic industry limits (EU Regulation 1223/2009); (2) Microbiological testing (total aerobic microbial count <100 CFU/g) using agar plate culture; (3) Flake structure assessment via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to verify that ≥90% of flakes retain their lamellar shape.
Given the product’s use in cosmetics, quality assurance is rigorous. Every batch (500 kg) undergoes three key tests: (1) Heavy metal analysis via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to ensure Pb, As, and Cd levels are below cosmetic industry limits (EU Regulation 1223/2009); (2) Microbiological testing (total aerobic microbial count <100 CFU/g) using agar plate culture; (3) Flake structure assessment via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to verify that ≥90% of flakes retain their lamellar shape.
Safety measures are also prioritized: the airflow mill is equipped with a pressure relief valve to prevent overpressurization, and operators wear respiratory protection (N95 masks) and gloves to avoid mica dust exposure (mica dust can cause respiratory irritation). The production area is ventilated with HEPA-filtered air to maintain a clean environment.
Application and Project Impact
The 380-mesh mica powder is used in the client’s luxury eyeshadows, highlighters, and foundations. In eyeshadows, the lamellar mica flakes reflect light to create a pearlescent effect, while the ultra-fine particle size ensures easy blending. In foundations, it improves skin adhesion and reduces the product’s “cakey” appearance. Since commissioning, the project has reduced the client’s raw material costs by 20% (eliminating supplier markups) and improved product consistency—customer complaints about texture have dropped by 35%.
Environmentally, the project minimizes waste: oversize mica particles (collected from the cyclone’s underflow) are recycled back to the mill, and the HEPA filter captures >99.9% of fine dust, preventing air pollution. The vacuum drying process uses solar-assisted heating, reducing electricity consumption by 25%.
This ultra-fine mica grinding project exemplifies how specialized equipment and strict quality control can meet the unique demands of the cosmetic industry, turning raw non-metallic minerals into high-value ingredients.
