Yes, since we are at it, let's just go on with the major name brands. I got the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, Powder foundation, Fair to light, #20
It states on the package: No talc, oil, fragrance or irritating preservatives.
Let's put this one to the test!
Ingredients (as stated on the product!): Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Retinyl Palmiate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Panthothenic Acid, Soybean Flour, Silk powder, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methylparaben, Polyparaben
Polymethyl Methacrylate - you want a laughter? This one is a different name for Plexiglas! I am not joking! Go to Go to wikipedia to read it for yourself!
Tocopheryl Acetate - So called synthetic Vitamin E, but it is a mixture of Vitamin E and Acetic acid, which is corrosive, and its vapor causes irritation to the eyes, a dry and burning nose, sore throat and congestion to the lungs. It has a 4 on the cosmetic database hazardous scale. It is a Human skin toxicant.
Sodium Dehydroacetate - Preservative. This ingredient is linked to:
Cancer
Developmental/reproductive toxicity
Other strong concerns for this ingredient: Occupational hazards
Other moderate concerns for this ingredient:Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Lesser or emerging concerns for this ingredient: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption
Source: Cosmetic Database
Methylparaben - Preservative
This ingredient:
Cancer
Allergies/immunotoxicity
Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Biochemical or cellular level changes
Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption
Source: Cosmetic Database
Polyparaben - Preservative
This Ingredient:
Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Endocrine disruption
So the final result: Let's get cancer - pure and gentle with a few allergies and irritations from preservatives.