Name
Bismuth Oxychloride
Description
Bismuth Oxychloride is derived from bismuth, a naturally occurring heavy metal. The compound is formed by combining bismuth with oxygen and chlorine. Bismuth is mainly a byproduct of lead ore processing.
Benefits
Imparts shimmer to cosmetics and gives a silky skinfeel. Although bismuth is a heavy metal, it has considerably less toxicity than other heavy metals.
Considerations
• Skin/Eye Irritation May cause skin and eye irritation at higher concentrations. • Respiratory Toxin
May irritate airways in aerosolized or powder-based products. • Lead Contamination
Because bismuth is derived largely from lead extraction, bismuth oxychloride may contain higher trace levels of lead than other ingredients. The FDA allows up to 20 ppm in bismuth oxychloride. Elevated levels of chromium may also be present.
Synonyms
Bismuthine, chlorooxo-
Bismuth(III) chloride oxide
BISMUTHOXYCHLORIDE
Mearlite
Pearl white
Wismutchloridoxid
Bismut-chlorid-oxid
BIJU
Wismut(III)-chlorid-oxid
Chlorooxobismuthine
Bismuth subchloride
Bismutum-oxychloratum
chloro(oxo)bismuthane
chloro(oxo)bismuthine
BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE POWDER
BiOCl
oxobismuth;hydrochloride
Bismuth(III) oxychloride, 98%
Research Sources
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Bismuth-oxychloride
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/bismuth-statistics-and-information#:~:text=Bismuth%20is%20mainly%20a%20byproduct,medications%20and%20in%20atomic%20research.
Summary
Skin irritation, lead contamination
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