Researchers tested mica from Bangladeshi river sand and found it safe for cosmetics: heavy metals stayed below safe limits, it caused zero skin irritation in tests, and it won't pose cancer risks. The mica also showed some antibacterial properties and delivered the shimmer and smooth texture you'd expect, though it didn't fight fungi.

Scientists analyzed the mica's chemical makeup and purity, tested it for heavy metals and skin irritation (including on rabbits), ran cancer risk assessments using EPA models, and evaluated how well it performed against bacteria and fungi.

Funding not disclosed in abstract