2025 Summer Research Symposium • Nyleen Benavides • July 9, 2025

Nyleen Benavides

Class of 2027

Major: Political Science and

International & Global Studies

Mentors: Claudia Donoso, PhD, St. Mary’s University

Mica Productions: The Sad Truth Behind Cosmetic Corporations’ Impact on

Children’s Health in India

Mica is a shiny silicate mineral found in granite, crystals, or other rocks. Its shiny and reflective

property has attracted the eyes of many cosmetic corporations. Due to high rates of

unemployment and poverty in Asian countries such as India and its Jharkhand region,

corporations have taken over and manipulated the exportations of mica. These regions carry out

illegal child labor in mica mining sites that are not only hazardous to children, but the economy

and ecosystem around them. Previous research has shown how cosmetic corporations use mica

as one of their main ingredients for shiny pigmentations within their products, however, there is

limited research that has indicated the links between child labor and the cosmetic industry. This

research examines the effects that cosmetic corporations have on children in India. Specifically,

it seeks to discuss why the high demand of mica increases child labor and negatively impacts the

health, economic, and social wellbeing of children. By analyzing secondary sources such as peer

reviewed articles, reports, and policies in India, this study will contribute to a better

understanding of exploitative child labor and provide alternative ways corporations can mine

mica that allows a more effective quality of life for children and their families.

Keywords: Exploitation, Cosmetics, Human Rights, India, Advocacy, and Mica