Mica (CAS 12001-26-2) — Citrus Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Mica
CAS 12001-26-2
What Is Mica?
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used in cosmetics and personal care products for its shimmering, reflective properties. You’ll find it in eyeshadows, highlighters, and some fragrances where visual effects are desired. While not a fragrance ingredient itself, mica adds a luxurious visual dimension to scented products, enhancing the sensory experience beyond just smell.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Mica Smell Like?
Mica is completely odorless, contributing no scent to fragrances. Its value lies purely in visual aesthetics – when incorporated into products, it creates a dazzling light-reflecting effect that enhances the perceived luxury of the fragrance. The tiny mineral platelets catch and scatter light, producing an effect ranging from subtle sheen to dramatic sparkle depending on particle size and concentration.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Contains mica particles in the limited edition bottle design to create a celestial shimmer effect that complements the gourmand fragrance’s star-themed branding.
Uses mica in the golden-toned juice to visually reinforce the opulent gold theme of this floral fragrance, creating a luxurious appearance.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: O.[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.[F-].[F-].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[K+].[K+]
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals with a layered structure that cleaves into thin, flexible sheets. The most common types used in cosmetics are muscovite (potassium aluminum silicate) and phlogopite (magnesium aluminum silicate). These naturally occurring minerals are mined, then processed through grinding and size classification to achieve desired particle sizes. Synthetic fluorophlogopite is also produced for more consistent optical properties.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Shimmering pearlescent powder |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.8-3.1 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | 2.5-4 on Mohs scale |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Fragrances | 0.1-5% | Up to 10% | For visual effects in perfume liquids |
| Scented Body Powders | 5-15% | Up to 30% | Provides shimmer in powder formulations |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use coated micas in alcohol-based fragrances to prevent settling and maintain dispersion.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar pearlescent effects with a smoother texture, though may cause irritation for some users.
Lab-created alternative with more consistent particle size and brightness, free from mining concerns.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA as it is not a fragrance ingredient.
RIFM Assessment
Not evaluated by RIFM as it is not a fragrance material.
Sustainability
Natural mica mining has raised ethical concerns regarding child labor in some regions. Responsible sourcing through verified supply chains is crucial. Synthetic alternatives provide more sustainable options with consistent quality and no mining impacts. The cosmetic industry is moving toward traceable mica sources and increased use of synthetic pearlescent pigments.
Explore Mica
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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References
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2021). Mineral Commodity Summaries: Mica. USGS Report
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 12001-26-2Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 800.6 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| SMILES | O.[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Si]=O.[F-].[F-].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Al+3].[K+].[K+]🔬 PubChem |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID3049671
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 800.6 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| Density | 2.6 g/cm^3🔬 PubChem |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 492.84 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 12 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 87.08 cm^3/mol💻 Computed |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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