Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
What Is It?
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (also spelled Fluorophlogopite) is a fluorine substituted mineral composed of magnesium aluminum silicate sheets, weakly bound together by potassium. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used in a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products including bath products, eye makeup, lipstick, face makeup, as well as nail and skin care products.
Why Is It Used?
In cosmetics and personal care products, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite has been reported to function as a bulking agentNon-reactive, solid ingredients that are used to dilute other solids, or to increase the volume of a product. and a viscosity increasing agent — aqueous.
Scientific Facts
Phlogopite is a natural mineral of the mica family that consists of layered magnesium aluminum silicate sheets weakly bound together by potassium ions. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is similar, except that in the manufacturing process (which requires high temperatures), some of the hydroxyl groups in the mineral are replaced with fluorine atoms. In addition, while natural phlogopite may be yellow, green or red in color, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is white to grey in color.
Safety Information
The safety of Synthetic Fluorphlogopite has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 as an independent safety review program for cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel consists of independent experts in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacolgy and veterinary medicine. The CIR includes participation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that this ingredient was safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.
CIR Safety Review:
The CIR Expert Panel was not concerned about the potential of Synthetic Fluorphlogopite to leach fluorine atoms because of the high temperatures used in the manufacturing process. Safety data on Synthetic Fluorphlogopite and other silicate ingredients did not raise any concerns. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite was not genotoxic and it was not a dermal irritant or sensitizer.
Based on the data reviewed, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Synthetic Fluorphlogopite was safe as used in cosmetic products. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm
Resources
Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm
EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/