Magnesium Carbonate is a white, odorless, fine powder. It is used primarily as an absorbent, opacifying, bulking, and anticaking agent in cosmetics. It efficiently absorbs excess oil and moisture, providing a mattifying effect and improving product texture. This mineral ingredient is widely incorporated in loose and pressed powders, dry shampoos, foundations, face masks, deodorants, and foot powders. It controls shine, adds opacity, increases bulk, and prevents clumping for a smooth, dry finish.
Products with MAGNESIUM CARBONATE
With samples available
NATRASORB HFB
by Nouryon
- Sustainable option
What is MAGNESIUM CARBONATE used for?
- Absorbent / Mattifying: Absorbs sebum and perspiration to reduce shine. Frequently used in mattifying powders, dry shampoos, and oil-control products for a fresh, matte appearance.
- Opacifying / Bulking: Increases opacity and bulks up formulations. Common in loose powders, pressed cosmetics, and foundations for better coverage and texture.
- Anticaking / Viscosity controlling: Prevents clumping in powders and adjusts viscosity in suspensions. Ideal in talc-free powders, deodorants, and exfoliating products for improved flow and stability.
Origin
Magnesium Carbonate occurs naturally as the mineral magnesite or is produced synthetically by reacting magnesium salts (e.g., magnesium chloride or sulfate) with sodium carbonate or carbon dioxide in aqueous solution. The precipitated basic magnesium carbonate (often 4MgCO₃·Mg(OH)₂·nH₂O) is filtered, washed, dried, and milled into a fine, high-purity powder. Cosmetic grades are purified to remove impurities and meet strict safety standards.
What does MAGNESIUM CARBONATE do in a formulation?
ABSORBENT|
BINDING|
BULKING|
OPACIFYING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLINGSafety Profile
Magnesium Carbonate is considered safe for cosmetic use per the CIR Expert Panel (safe as used in magnesium compounds). It has a very low hazard rating from EWG (1) with no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity on skin. It is non-comedogenic and well-tolerated across skin types. The primary concern is inhalation of respirable dust (possible lung irritation or silicosis risk if contaminated with crystalline silica), so only non-respirable grades are used in loose powders.
MAGNESIUM CARBONATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | >350°C |
| Melting Point | ~350-540°C |
| pH | 9.0-10.5 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohols |