Malachite Extract
Mineral powder from malachite – copper carbonate hydroxide. Gives a muted green pigment. Marketed by brands as a 'detoxifying' ingredient due to copper, but no clinical data on topical use exist. Essentially a decorative pigment.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Decorative mineral pigment. Marketing claims of a 'detox' effect via copper are not backed by human RCTs. Safety as a pigment is confirmed, but no standalone activity.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment.
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Malachite Extract is a mineral copper extract, copper dihydroxycarbonate Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂. In cosmetics it is used as a copper-ion source and pigment. Active component – Cu²⁺ ions. Mechanism. Copper is a cofactor of lysyl oxidase and tyrosinase. Lysyl oxidase forms collagen and elastin cross-links in the dermis. Claimed action – anti-aging matrix support. At the same concentrations, copper ions also have antibacterial activity. Where applied. Premium anti-aging creams and serums, problem-skin products. Found in Tata Harper, Drunk Elephant Protini, niche European lines. Rare in Spain. Evidence base. No clinical RCTs of topical malachite. Indirect base from copper peptides (GHK-Cu) shows anti-aging and healing effects (Pickart 2018), but that is a different molecular form of copper. CIR assessed safety as a pigment ingredient. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. No direct data. Copper is an essential trace element, but topical copper accumulation at cosmetic concentrations is poorly studied. Alternative – copper peptides (GHK-Cu) with a stronger evidence base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malachite Extract safe during pregnancy?
Malachite Extract should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Malachite Extract for?
Malachite Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Malachite Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Mineral powder from malachite – copper carbonate hydroxide.
What's the INCI name for Malachite Extract?
The INCI name is Malachite Extract. It may also appear as: Malachite.
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