Magnesium Hydroxide

INCI: Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide is a fine white mineral powder mainly used in cosmetics as an effective ingredient in natural deodorants without aluminium salts. It helps reduce the formation of unpleasant body odour without interfering with the natural perspiration process.

Thanks to its generally good skin tolerance, it is an interesting alternative to baking soda, especially in deodorant formulations intended for more sensitive skin.

MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE IN DEODORANTS

Unpleasant body odour is not caused directly by sweat, but mainly by the activity of microorganisms on the skin. Magnesium hydroxide helps create an environment that is less favourable for bacteria associated with the development of unpleasant odour.

Unlike antiperspirants, it does not block the sweat glands, which makes it particularly popular in natural deodorant formulations.

It is practically odourless and therefore generally does not interfere with the selected fragrance of the finished cosmetic product.

USE

Magnesium hydroxide is particularly suitable for making:

• cream deodorants,
• deodorant sticks,
• solid deodorants,
• anhydrous deodorant balms,
• body powders,
• foot powders,
• certain types of masks and other powdered cosmetic products.

It combines well with other ingredients commonly used in deodorants, such as starches, kaolin, zinc oxide, vegetable oils and butters.

HOW TO USE

Magnesium hydroxide is practically insoluble in water and oils, so it should be incorporated into formulations as a dispersion.

In anhydrous products, it can be gradually mixed into the oil or fat phase. In emulsions, it should be dispersed evenly to prevent lumps from forming in the finished product.

Recommended use level: approximately 2–20%, depending on the type of product and the desired formulation.

In cream and solid deodorants, the amount should be adjusted according to the desired effectiveness and texture of the finished product.

PROPERTIES

• fine white mineral powder,
• virtually odourless,
• helps reduce the formation of unpleasant body odour,
• suitable for deodorants without aluminium salts,
• does not prevent natural perspiration,
• generally well tolerated by more sensitive skin,
• suitable for anhydrous and emulsion-based formulations,
• practically insoluble in water and oils,
• suitable for combining with starches, clays, vegetable butters and other deodorant ingredients.

Solubility: insoluble in water and oils
Method of incorporation: dispersion
Recommended concentration: 2–20%