Bismuth Oxychloride is a chemical element that chemically resembles arsenic and antimony. Bismuth is heavy and brittle and has a silvery white color with a pink tinge. Bismuth compounds are used in cosmetics, medicines, and in medical procedures and skin and respiratory irritation can follow exposure.
Bismuth is a byproduct that results from the processing of lead and copper. Bismuth Oxychloride is found in cosmetics where it is used to fill or “bulk up” or bind products. It is well documented that Bismuth Oxychloride is a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes. In large amounts it can cause cystic acne as well…a key reason to avoid any products that have Bismuth Oxychloride if you already have acne or any other skin issues including rosacea or even sensitive skin.
Many of the biggest cosmetics companies have products that contain bismuth. Although they have huge budgets for marketing and television commercials, they have products that still contain this potentially toxic ingredient. In fact, larger companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than they are with you and may use bismuth or inexpensive fillers and ingredients in their makeup to bulk up the product or enhance its visual appeal. The bottom line…it is well known that Bismuth Oxychloride may cause skin irritation…please do not use products that contain this potentially harmful ingredient.