Bismuth Oxycloride???

Article on Bismuth Oxychloride
Compiled by Shelly Wheeler, Lemongrass Consultant

(Note: Bismuth oxychloride is an ingredient found in some mineral makeup products.  Lemongrass Spa Products’ Sheer Minerals Makeup does not contain bismuth oxychloride.)

Bismuth Oxychloride - this ingredient is found in most of the mainstream mineral cosmetic companies...a by-product of the lead and copper refining, rarely occurs in nature, a skin irritant, leaves an unnatural shiny finish, clogs pores and causes blemishes, in large amounts can cause cystic acne, many people are sensitive to this bulking and filler ingredient.

Does this scenario sound familiar? You've worn traditional makeup for years with little to no irritation. Upon hearing about the benefits of mineral makeup, you decide to give it a try. After all, it claims to be better for your skin and healthier overall, so what have you got to lose? And if you've never been able to wear traditional makeup without irritation, mineral makeup sounds like the answer you've been looking for. You buy your first jar and begin wearing it immediately.  Except... you're having a reaction you've never had before to makeup. Your skin may be red, irritated, itching, having small bumps or pustules, burning or looking swollen. What is this? How can mineral makeup cause such an extreme reaction?
That reaction is likely caused by the ingredient bismuth oxychloride. While bismuth oxychloride is a common ingredient in traditional makeup, as well as mineral makeup, it is used in much higher concentrations in mineral makeup. There are no fillers in mineral makeup like there are in traditional cosmetics (talc, mineral oil, aluminum powder, alcohols and parabens), so the few ingredients left, including bismuth oxychloride, make up more of the recipe.

Why Is Bismuth Oxychloride Used In Makeup?
Is it used in makeup because it gives the makeup a silky feel, good slip (this means it applies well to the skin and doesn't drag or grab on the skin) and good adhesion, which helps it stay on your skin. It feels smooth and silky when rubbed between the fingers. It is often described as a lustrous crystalline powder.
It is not the most expensive ingredient, nor is it the least expensive. It is, however, an industry standard and very common. It also gives a visible sheen to the makeup, so it's good at refracting light and that helps draw attention away from, and camouflage, fine lines, wrinkles and minor discolorations. That's a great selling point for makeup.

What Is Bismuth Oxychloride?
Bismuth oxychloride is an inorganic white pigment, and usually comes in two forms: diamond and pearl finishes. The diamond is shimmery and the pearl is more matte. Its formula is BiOCl.  If you look on the periodic table of elements, you'll notice plain old bismuth at atomic number 83, with the symbol Bi. It is the least toxic of its periodic table neighbors like lead, tin, antimony and polonium. Bismuth in itself is not safe for use in cosmetics, and must be refined and combined with other elements to produce bismuth oxychloride.
Bismuth occurs naturally, but in very small amounts. Most of the bismuth produced in the USA is as a by-product from refining lead, tin, copper, silver and gold ores.  Once the bismuth has been harvested, it is further refined through several processes to remove dangerous elements like lead. Then it is chlorinated, which gives us bismuth chloride (BiCl3). It still poses a severe risk at this point, smelling of hydrochloric acid. When bismuth chloride is combined with water, it starts to decompose and part of the chlorine is replaced by oxygen from the water. This process is called hydrolysis. The remaining compound is bismuth, chlorine and oxygen = Bismuth oxychloride.

Is It Safe To Use?
Bismuth oxychloride is a product that is FDA approved for use in products for the face, eyes, lips and nails. It is a very common and popular ingredient in both traditional and mineral makeup.  However, skin irritation from bismuth oxychloride is not unusual. According the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for bismuth oxychloride, there is a risk of it being a potential irritant to humans when it comes in contact with the skin or eyes.  It is also imperative that bismuth oxychloride be free from toxins when it hits the market. The FDA does have standards outlining this, and in their Electronic Code of Federal Regulations they dictate the composition must be free of impurities except lead, arsenic, volatile matter and mercury in specific amounts and must be 98% bismuth oxychloride.
Buying bismuth oxychloride from countries with less stringent laws may result in increased health risks, so it is wise for companies to buy from highly regulated countries, like the US and Canada.

Should I Use It?
This is a very personal question to answer. Are you are happy with your current makeup and are suffering no ill effects? Would you feel more comfortable using makeup without it? Do you find that you have to buff minerals with bismuth oxychloride into your pores or they are more obvious, and this is irritating your skin? Have you found using mineral makeup without it causes your skin relief and the reaction clears up?
These are all questions to ask yourself when deciding to purchase a brand with bismuth oxychloride as an ingredient. There are many good products available, offering the same benefits as products with bismuth oxychloride, but without the ingredient itself.

29 new faces in 29 days

February is a great month to try Sheer Minerals by Lemongrass Spa Products.

When 29 women enjoy a new face with Sheer Minerals in February I'm going to give away one of our ultra soft Bamboo Brush Sets.  This is will be a total from Group Makeup Consults and one-on-ones!




There are a few ways to be win your Bamboo Brush Set($35 value).

• Enjoy a Sheer Mineral makeover
• Get your own Sheer Minerals Starter Kit
• Group Makeup Consult with at least 3 guests

The new Body Icing is amazing!!  SO moisturizing.  You'll want to use this as your everyday moisturizer.  Make sure and order yours in January to try it at the introduction rate!

www.ourlemongrassspa.com/jens

Giveaway Friday! 

Apple Ipad 2 & Kindle Fire 

via Rafflecopter.com!

Now open to the public - no more waiting! Check them out and enter to win! 

Don't forget to tell them Jen Stinson from Lemongrass Spa Products referred you!

Good Luck!

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New Year's Day!!


One of my business goals this year is to blog at least three times a month!!  I'm SO excited to connect with you in a new way consistently!


I'm going to start with a repost of a blog I found!  This came from flylady.net, who inspired one of my personal resolutions...to clean my sink every night before I go to bed!  Check her out!


This original post can be found here.  I'm "Lemongrassing" it!

Eleven Ways to Pamper Yourself

Dear Friends,

You may be limited with your time and money-I know I am! However, just a small investment in YOU will pay-off BIG!

When you take time and self-nurture, you will be more energized and caring for those around you! Instead of short tempered and stressed—take time out for a pampering session and re-new your spirit!

1. Take a bubble bath. Lemongrass Spa Products Bath Crystals and Mineral Bath Soak are amazing!!!  I love Lavender Vanilla Mineral Bath Soak! After your bath, apply the lotion in the matching scent.

2. Get a new hairstyle and look years younger. Nothing gives you a better feeling than a fresh hairstyle! Make sure the stylist shows you new styling techniques too.

3. Moisturize your skin. Our lotions soak into your skin instead of sitting on it.  Try our new body icing.  YUM!

4. Give yourself an at home spa for your hands and feet. Grab a jar of Body Polish in your favorite scent and polish away.  Even better, enjoy a three step Foot Fetish pampering!!  (Even better, host a party and pamper with your friends!)

5. Purchase a pretty blouse in a vivid color that makes you feel special.

6. Dress up your everyday outfit with a gold glittery handbag.  Or silver...I'd want a silver one!

7. Wear some soft fuzzy socks and read by the warm fire.

8. Glitz up your basic black dress with a rhinestone belt or
chandelier earrings.

9. Dig into the bottom of your jewelry box and find a necklace or bracelet long forgotten and wear it again with something new.

10. Buy a nail polish in your favorite color. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure.

11. Treat yourself to new undergarments. Buy a new bra and panty matching set.

Have fun!  And Happy New Year!

Leslie, Missus Smarty Pants

& Jen with Lemongrass Spa

Our story...Your opportunity

This video will give you insight into Lemongrass Spa Products and its history, philosophy and culture.

I can't get it to embed to watch here, but click the link.  You'll get to learn about this amazing company from our fabulous owner!!

http://youtu.be/dHjHjf4ldMc

12 weeks of Christmas

Christmas is 12 weeks away!!   I can't believe it.
I was challenged two years ago to do all my Christmas shopping from small business and independent consultants and handmade gifts.   It is not always easy but is fun, challenging, exciting and you give gifts that are do well received.  I am extending this challenge to you.

And to help I'll feature items and businesses here and try and cover gifts for everyone.
Once a week I'll feature a Lemongrass product with a special deal and then other businesses and great stuff at other times during the week.