Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that, when heated, expands into a lightweight porous material used in cosmetics as an absorbent, bulking, and mattifying agent. It helps soak up excess oil and improve texture in powders, masks, and exfoliating formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin dryness | Uncommon | Its oil-absorbing properties may lead to dryness in sensitive or already dry skin. |
| Mechanical irritation | Rare | Coarser particle grades used as a physical exfoliant can cause micro-abrasion or irritation. |
| Respiratory irritation from dust | Rare | Mainly a concern with loose powder forms during application or manufacturing, not finished leave-on products. |
| Allergic contact reaction | Very rare | Considered inert; sensitization is exceptionally uncommon. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.