Bismuth Oxychloride in the cosmetic industry.

Bismuth Oxychloride was first used as a form of makeup over 3,000 years ago by the ancient Egyptians. Its is now the main ingredient in mineral makeup. It is similar in many respect to the compound talc but there has been much debate as to which is better for the wearers skin.

Recently bismuth oxychloride has been man made by some complicated industrial process which rather debunks the argument that it is a natural mineral. This is because as a mineral it is very very rare an far to expensive to mine while making a profit.  

Talc is arguable a more suitable and safer ingredient than bismuth oxychloride, as it occurs more abundantly in nature and therefore does not need to be manufactures through harsh industrial processes. 

Both products have a distinctive pearly visage , which is why when in a fine powder make them perfect ingredients in foundations and other powders.