Magnesium Oxide
A mineral powder. It absorbs sebum, gives a matte finish and helps hold pigments. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Magnesium Oxide is a mineral powder of magnesium oxide. In cosmetics it absorbs sebum, gives a matte finish and helps fix pigments on the skin. It is common in powder makeup, mattifying bases and clay masks. Its function is formula-side, not caring. This is a functional component: it mattifies, adds opacity and improves colour spread. It is not an active that treats skin, so there is no point expecting long-term sebum control or texture improvement from it. The matte effect is real but surface-level and temporary. Applied topically it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerability is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. It suits sensitive skin. As an absorbent powder it can leave a slight tightness on already very dry skin at high levels, but overall it is well accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Is Magnesium Oxide safe during pregnancy?
Magnesium Oxide is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Magnesium Oxide for?
Magnesium Oxide suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Magnesium Oxide and what does it do in cosmetics?
A mineral powder.
What's the INCI name for Magnesium Oxide?
The INCI name is Magnesium Oxide.
See Magnesium Oxide in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Maleic Acid, Maltodextrin, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Sodium Phosphate, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
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