Tin Oxide

What is it?

Tin Oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that appears as an ultra-fine white powder. Also known as Stannic Oxide, it is widely used in cosmetics as a mattifying agent, pigment carrier, and pearlescent agent, especially in mineral makeup formulations.

It naturally occurs in cassiterite, a mineral found in certain granitic rocks, historically used as the main source of tin since ancient times.

What does it do in cosmetics?

In the cosmetic field, Tin Oxide serves several functions:

Gentle mattifier: lightly absorbs excess sebum without drying or irritating the skin.

Soft-focus effect: thanks to its ultra-fine structure, it helps create a smoothing and blurring effect, minimizing the appearance of pores and imperfections.

Pearlescent agent: used to coat other mineral pigments (such as mica or titanium dioxide), it provides pearly, metallic, or satin-like reflections in makeup products like eyeshadows, powders, highlighters, or natural lipsticks.

Pigment carrier: improves the adhesion and stability of colors on the skin, making them more vibrant and long-lasting.

Fun fact

In nature, Tin Oxide forms spontaneously in mineral deposits containing cassiterite, a mineral with magmatic and hydrothermal origins.

In eco-friendly cosmetics, it is valued for being inert, non-comedogenic, and well tolerated even by the most sensitive skin.