A pure mineral makeup is typically made with a combination of Titanium Dioxide (applauded as a natural sunblocker), Zinc Oxide (used as white pigment and also for sunblock), mica (shimmery stuff for glow) and Iron Oxides (gives it color).
But, buyer beware! Now that the major cosmetic companies have jumped on the bandwagon, many mineral makeup products are compromised in the name of profit. Ingredients to avoid are Bismuth Oxychloride (a common skin irritant), talc and cornstarch (drying to the skin), and parabens (linked to cancer and other bad things). None of these additives provide function other than to preserve and stretch the product further. So not only are you paying more for less pure product, you’re also applying unnecessary ingredients to your skin that can be harmful. If you’ve tried mineral makeup in the past and your skin became instantly red and itchy, check your label – you can bet it’s the Bismuth!