Meteorite Powder: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Meteorite Powder?

Meteorite Powder is a finely milled grayish dust produced from fragments of meteors that have landed on Earth. After being collected, the stones are cleaned to remove soil or metal debris then ground into a soft, almost silky powder. While exact composition varies from one meteorite to another, most samples are rich in iron, nickel, silicates and trace minerals like magnesium and calcium. These minerals are what give the powder its slight shimmer and its appeal for cosmetic use.

The fascination with meteorites dates back centuries, yet their role in beauty is fairly recent. Luxury skincare brands started experimenting with the ingredient in the early 2000s, marketing it as a rare space-born additive that could elevate product prestige. Formulators soon noticed its fine texture and mineral content made it a gentle, naturally illuminating additive for creams, masks and hair products.

Production begins by verifying the authenticity of the meteorite through mineral testing. The rock is then cryogenically cooled to reduce heat damage during milling, crushed in stages, sifted for uniform particle size and sterilized under UV light. The resulting powder is stored in airtight conditions until blended into formulations.

You will most often spot Meteorite Powder in brightening face masks, prestige moisturizers, anti-aging serums, illuminating primers and specialty hair treatments marketed for shine and strength.

Meteorite Powder’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Below are the main reasons formulators include this celestial powder in their products

  • Hair Conditioning: The mineral blend coats strands lightly, helping smooth the cuticle for added shine and softness while supplying trace elements that support overall hair vitality.
  • Skin Conditioning: The fine particles sit smoothly on the skin, giving a subtle glow, improving texture and helping retain moisture thanks to the powder’s mineral-rich profile.

Who Can Use Meteorite Powder

Meteorite Powder is generally well tolerated by normal, dry, oily and combination skin types because the finely milled minerals sit lightly on the surface without drawing out moisture or adding excess oil. Sensitive skin usually handles it well too, provided the finished formula is free of added fragrance and harsh preservatives. Those with highly reactive or broken skin should proceed with caution since even gentle particles can sometimes aggravate compromised barriers.

The ingredient is purely mineral so it is naturally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are involved in sourcing or processing, though certification of the finished product depends on the brand’s overall cruelty-free policies.

No studies show that topical Meteorite Powder poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Its minerals remain on the surface and are unlikely to enter the bloodstream. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products to their routine to be safe.

Meteorite Powder does not increase photosensitivity. The light-reflective particles may even give a slight blurring effect in daylight but they do not replace sunscreen, so daily SPF is still essential.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to Meteorite Powder can vary by individual. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur even though most users will not experience any problems when the ingredient has been properly formulated and applied.

  • Irritation or redness
  • Contact dermatitis in people sensitive to metal ions such as nickel
  • Mild clogged pores if the formula is overly rich or not rinsed off fully
  • Scalp buildup leading to dullness when overused in leave-in hair products

If any discomfort or unexpected reaction develops stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Meteorite Powder is a finely milled, inert mineral blend that sits on top of the skin rather than sinking into pores so it has a very low chance of causing blockages. Any pore issues typically stem from the heavier oils or butters paired with it, not the powder itself. Its rating lands at 1 because extremely sensitive or oil-rich complexions might notice minimal build-up if the surrounding formula is not removed thoroughly.

Overall it is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Those with a known nickel sensitivity should still scan ingredient lists carefully since trace nickel ions naturally present in some meteorites can be a trigger for contact dermatitis.

Summary

Meteorite Powder conditions hair by coating strands with a light mineral film that smooths cuticles for extra shine and softness, while on skin it delivers a silky texture and a subtle luminosity that helps lock in moisture. These benefits come from its rich mix of iron, nickel, silicates and trace elements which remain on the surface and give products a gentle blurring effect.

The ingredient is a niche, prestige add-on rather than a mainstream staple, found mostly in high-end masks, serums and specialty hair treatments that highlight its space origin for marketing flair.

Safety reviews so far show it to be low risk for most skin and hair types as the powder is inert and non-photosensitizing, though anyone with extremely reactive skin or metal allergies should exercise caution. As with any new cosmetic, doing a quick patch test before full use is a smart step to confirm personal compatibility.

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