Mica-based pearlescent pigments
Mica-based pearlescent pigments suppliers and sourcing guide
Mica-based pearlescent pigments are flakes of natural mica coated with a thin layer of titanium dioxide, and in some grades iron oxide, which give a pearl, shimmer or interference color through light reflection. They are made by depositing metal salts onto milled mica and heating to form the oxide layer. They are used in confectionery, beverages, supplement coatings and especially cosmetics, and are sold by particle size and effect.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Pearlescent pigments · Titanium dioxide-coated mica · Effect pigments · Potassium aluminum silicate-based pigments
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of mica-based pearlescent pigments
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Silver-white pearl
TiO2-coated mica for a white pearl effect; the type covered by the US food listing.
Interference colors
Thicker TiO2 layers that reflect gold, red, blue or green highlights.
Iron oxide-coated (gold, bronze, copper)
Mica coated with iron oxide, alone or with TiO2, mainly for cosmetic and drug uses.
Particle size grades
Fine grades for satin luster through coarse grades for sparkle.
Synthetic mica
Effect pigments on synthetic fluorphlogopite instead of natural mica, used in cosmetics.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS; 21 CFR 73.350 sets a 4 ppm lead limit for food use.
- TiO2 and iron oxide content
- Oxide content by XRF or gravimetry, which defines the grade and effect.
- Particle size distribution
- Laser diffraction, since size sets the luster versus sparkle effect.
- Color and luster
- Drawdown comparison against a standard for shade and luster.
- Loss on drying
- Moisture, which affects flow and dispersion.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Pearlescent pigments are inorganic and stable; store sealed and dry, and avoid high-shear handling, which breaks the flakes and dulls the effect. Control dust in weighing areas. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier specification.
Lots and expiry dates
Particle size and coating thickness vary slightly by lot, so compare luster and shade against a retained standard. Record the mica origin statement the supplier gives for each lot, since buyers often ask about mica sourcing.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.350 defines the food color additive as formed by depositing titanium salts onto mica and heating to produce titanium dioxide on mica.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.350 permits up to 1.25 percent by weight in listed foods, including cereals, confections, candies, nutritional supplement tablets and gelatin capsules, and chewing gum.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.350 permits up to 0.07 percent by weight in certain distilled spirits, cordials, liqueurs, cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktail mixes.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Colouring Agents includes potassium aluminum silicate-based titanium dioxide (item P.4).
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Mica-based pearlescent pigments suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking mica-based pearlescent pigments suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell mica-based pearlescent pigments? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of mica-based pearlescent pigments can brands buy?
Common forms include silver-white pearl, interference colors, iron oxide-coated (gold, bronze, copper), particle size grades and synthetic mica. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for mica-based pearlescent pigments include?
Expect heavy metals, tiO2 and iron oxide content, particle size distribution, color and luster and loss on drying, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should mica-based pearlescent pigments be stored?
Pearlescent pigments are inorganic and stable; store sealed and dry, and avoid high-shear handling, which breaks the flakes and dulls the effect. Control dust in weighing areas. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier specification.
What is the regulatory status of mica-based pearlescent pigments?
21 CFR 73.350 defines the food color additive as formed by depositing titanium salts onto mica and heating to produce titanium dioxide on mica. 21 CFR 73.350 permits up to 1.25 percent by weight in listed foods, including cereals, confections, candies, nutritional supplement tablets and gelatin capsules, and chewing gum. 21 CFR 73.350 permits up to 0.07 percent by weight in certain distilled spirits, cordials, liqueurs, cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktail mixes. Health Canada's List of Permitted Colouring Agents includes potassium aluminum silicate-based titanium dioxide (item P.4).
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