At Erth, offering healthy mineral cosmetics to consumers at an affordable price is our number one priority.
One of the questions we are often asked is, "Do you use any nano-particles" in your mineral makeup. The answer is a definitive "no."
First, let's start with this question: What is a nano-particle? Answer, courtesy of National Geographic's The Green Guide: "Mineral particles that have been fragmented to sizes below 100 nanometers; they are often used in sunscreens and mineral makeup products because they are less visible when applied to the skin." (http://www.thegreenguide.com/glossary/n)
At Erth, the smallest particle size we use is .31 of one micron, which is about 3 times the size of a nano-particle & is therefore too large to be absorbed easily into the skin & to cross the blood-brain barrier & thereby, inert. Additionally, some sources do feel that the real concern in mineral makeup should focus on whether or not a company uses titanium dioxide nano-paricles.
Dr. Weil, a well-known figure in all things natural, says the following about mineral makeup's use of nanoparticles: "Some studies have indicated that when exposed to light, titanium dioxide nanoparticles may prompt formation of free radicals that could damage cells, and others have suggested that the tiny particles of this mineral can enter the brain and cause oxidative stress (most particles are too big to penetrate the blood--brain barrier)." (cited from: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400242/Makeup-With-Minerals.html)
Our titanium dioxide particle size is between 1.0-1.7 microns in size. MUCH larger than a nano-particle.
I hope this information proves helpful!
V. Blanchette
Erth Minerals
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