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Calcium Carbonate

What Calcium Carbonate is & what it does

A mineral powder used to absorb oil, add a soft matte finish, and provide gentle physical exfoliation. It also helps with texture and opacity.

What does Calcium Carbonate do in skincare?

Calcium Carbonate is a mineral powder used in skincare and sunscreens as an absorbent, bulking agent, and mild abrasive. It can soak up excess oil to give a matte finish and is sometimes used to adjust texture or opacity. In some formulas it also helps buffer or set the product.

Is Calcium Carbonate comedogenic?

Calcium Carbonate is generally regarded as low on the comedogenic scale and is not commonly linked to clogged pores. Because it is an inert mineral powder that can absorb oil, it is often used in mattifying and oil-control products. Individual responses vary, so anyone prone to breakouts may want to patch test.

Is Calcium Carbonate natural or synthetic?

Calcium Carbonate occurs naturally in minerals such as limestone, chalk, and marble, and is also found in shells. The grade used in cosmetics may be mined and purified or produced synthetically to ensure consistency. Both natural and synthetic versions are the same basic compound.

Sunscreens with Calcium Carbonate

We rate 17 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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