Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Magnesium Hydroxide?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Magnesium Hydroxide is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: magnesium hydroxide on the skin is generally safe and low risk when used in normal personal care products.

✅What to Do

Use products that list magnesium hydroxide as an ingredient according to the product directions. Do a small patch test on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before regular use. Avoid putting it on broken, cracked, or very sensitive skin. If the product is meant for face use, keep it away from your eyes. Stop using and rinse with water if you get redness, burning, or swelling.

⚠️Warnings

There is limited evidence that magnesium hydroxide can irritate the eyes, skin, or airways at higher concentrations or in some forms (source: European Chemicals Agency). Safety reviewers say it is safe in cosmetics when formulated to avoid irritation (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some reviews note it is not expected to be harmful and is allowed for limited use in food (source: Environment Canada and U.S. food safety authorities). Very small (nano) particle forms may increase skin absorption (source: nano-particle safety summaries). Also, some product verification programs restrict its use unless makers provide safety data. Watch for signs of irritation and avoid use near eyes or on broken skin; seek medical advice if you have a strong reaction.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: A European chemical regulator (ECHA) has classified magnesium hydroxide as toxic or harmful for non-reproductive organs in some assessments. That means, in certain situations or at higher exposures, it could hurt organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Irritant: Reviews by a European chemical agency (ECHA) and a cosmetic safety panel (CIR) report limited evidence that magnesium hydroxide can irritate skin, eyes, or the respiratory tract, and animal studies show eye irritation at high doses. This can cause redness, stinging, tearing, or coughing in sensitive people.
Absorbed: Nano-focused sources note nanoparticle forms and warn that nano-scale materials may absorb through skin. Supplier notes also list nanopowder forms of magnesium hydroxide, so those forms could enter the body through the skin more easily than larger particles.
Asthma: The same ECHA and cosmetic industry assessments mention limited evidence of respiratory irritation. If inhaled or if it causes lung irritation, magnesium hydroxide could make breathing problems or asthma worse in some children.
Immune system: A European chemical review (ECHA) found limited evidence of skin toxicity or allergic reactions. That suggests some people could have immune or allergic skin responses, like rashes or contact sensitivity.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Magnesium Hydroxide

This ingredient may also be listed as:

magnesium hydroxideKX 8S(B)PHILLIPS MILK OF MAGNESIA LIQUIDKX 8S(A)S/G 84MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE, NANOPOWDER, <100 NM PARTICLE SIZE (LASER PSA), 99.8% TRACE METALS BASISEINECS 215-170-3MILMAG (TN)MINT-O-MAG (TN)DSB 100DP 393

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Magnesium Hydroxide

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Magnesium Hydroxide or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Magnesium Hydroxide

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

Bulk Modification with Inorganic Particles and Immobilization of Extracellular Vesicles onto PDO Composite for Facial Rejuvenation.

PMID: 38261265PubMed ↗

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Magnesium Hydroxide safety and effects.

Common Questions About Magnesium Hydroxide

Is this safe for adults to use Magnesium Hydroxide?

Yes, Magnesium Hydroxide is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Magnesium Hydroxide for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the irritant risks of Magnesium Hydroxide for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the absorbed risks of Magnesium Hydroxide for adults?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the asthma risks of Magnesium Hydroxide for adults?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What are the immune system risks of Magnesium Hydroxide for adults?

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What products contain Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium Hydroxide is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Magnesium Hydroxide?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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