Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Working with magnesium

  • Working with magnesium

    Posted by lindacupples on November 21, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    I’m wondering if anyone knows the usage % of magnesium hydroxide in skin care products.  I have seen many times that it is used in formulations but I have no idea what the usage % is.  It does not appear to be documented anywhere.  Thanks for any information anyone can give me. 

    lindacupples replied 6 years, 5 months ago 4 Members · 11 Replies
  • 11 Replies
  • OldPerry

    Member
    November 21, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    What function are you looking to get from Magnesium Hydroxide in the formula?

  • lindacupples

    Member
    November 21, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    In a deodorant, to kill bacteria.

  • belassi

    Member
    November 21, 2017 at 6:29 pm
  • lindacupples

    Member
    November 21, 2017 at 10:09 pm

    So many manufacturers are claiming that magnesium kills odor causing bacteria. Is that possible?

  • OldPerry

    Member
    November 22, 2017 at 1:52 am

    Don’t put too much faith in statements made about technologies by companies who benefit by having you believe them.

    I couldn’t find any studies showing magnesium hydroxide is an antibacterial

  • lindacupples

    Member
    November 22, 2017 at 1:57 am

    Perry, thank you. I appreciate your input.

  • OldPerry

    Member
    November 22, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Interestingly, the bacteria that causes underarm odor is a Staph bacteria.
    https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/31/396573607/meet-the-bacteria-that-make-a-stink-in-your-pits

    I still couldn’t find anything that showed Magnesium Hydroxide was effective for preventing underarm odor. 

  • MarkBroussard

    Member
    November 22, 2017 at 2:32 am

    @lindacupples

    The Magnesium Hydroxide is used to raise the pH of the stick … it is not bactericidal per se, but creates an environment in which it suppresses bacterial growth.  Used primarily to replace Sodium Bicarbonate for sensitive skin deo stick formulas.

    You can use up to 20% Magnesium Hydroxide depending on the structural integrity of your stick formulation.

    But, you will need to also include ingredients that are effective against Staph and Cornybacteria, both of which contribute to underarm odor.

  • lindacupples

    Member
    November 22, 2017 at 5:42 am

    Thank you.  I really appreciate your response. I know people who are very sensitive to the use of baking soda and am hoping to formulate a deodorant without it. Perhaps closer to the top end of 20% would work well.  I’ll give it a try. 

  • MarkBroussard

    Member
    November 22, 2017 at 11:34 am

    @lindacupples:

    You’ll have to play around with it … it will make your stick soft and mushy at too high a level, so the top end is really dependent on the other ingredients in your stick.

  • lindacupples

    Member
    November 22, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    I’m using it in a powdered form. Does that make a difference? 

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