Ingredient

Magnesium Hydroxide

Positive in 27 products

What is Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium Hydroxide is an inorganic compound often encountered as a white solid. It is obtained by mixing a solution of magnesium salt with an alkaline base, commonly produced from the mineral brucite.

In personal care, Magnesium Hydroxide is used mainly as an active ingredient in deodorants, providing an alternative to aluminum-based compounds. It works by neutralizing body odor through odor-causing bacteria reaction, and studies suggest it can be less irritating to the skin.

When you see Magnesium Hydroxide on a label, it is often appreciated for its skin-friendly properties and its role in effective odor control without aluminum.

Commonly found in: Deodorant, Antacid, Laxative

Benefits

  • Promotes skin-friendly odor control in deodorants.
  • Serves as an alternative to aluminum-based compounds.
FDA

Magnesium Hydroxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in personal care products.

Research

Research supports its efficacy in reducing odor without skin irritation, though some findings are specific to formulation.

Vegan

Magnesium Hydroxide is mineral-based and suitable for vegan formulations.

Sources: Magnesium Hydroxide · Magnesium Hydroxide in Deodorant

Scout's take

Mineral alkaline odor neutralizer that raises underarm pH to disrupt odor bacteria — gentler than baking soda. Considered safe and effective.

The case against

There are generally no significant risks associated with magnesium hydroxide in topical applications.

from the analysis of Little Seed Farm All Natural Deodorant Cream Aluminum Free Deodorant for Women · echoed in 1 other analysis

There are minimal risks associated with magnesium hydroxide, with rare cases of mild irritation.

from the analysis of Native Natural Deodorant Lavender and Rose Aluminum Free · echoed in 1 other analysis

There are minimal risks associated with magnesium hydroxide, making it a safe choice for most users.

from the analysis of Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream Lavender

There are minimal risks associated with magnesium hydroxide, though excessive use may cause dryness.

from the analysis of Salt & Stone Deodorant - Neroli & Basil

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

from the analysis of Humble Brands Vegan & Sensitive Skin Baking Soda Free Deodorant Simply Unscented

The case for

It effectively neutralizes odor without causing irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

from the analysis of Native Natural Deodorant Lavender and Rose Aluminum Free · echoed in 2 other analyses

Magnesium hydroxide effectively neutralizes odor without blocking pores, making it a preferred alternative to aluminum compounds.

from the analysis of Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream Lavender

It effectively neutralizes odor without irritating the skin, making it a preferred alternative to baking soda.

from the analysis of Salt & Stone Deodorant - Neroli & Basil

It helps to neutralize body odor without blocking sweat glands.

from the analysis of Crystal Magnesium Deodorant Stick Coconut & Vanilla

It effectively neutralizes odor without blocking sweat glands.

from the analysis of Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant - Bergamot & Hinoki

More from Scout's analyses

Non-irritating odor-neutralizing active. Raises underarm pH just enough to disrupt Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus hominis species responsible for body odor without the burn or chronic dermatitis triggered by sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Replaces aluminum chlorohydrate / aluminum zirconium -- the antiperspirant actives that physically plug eccrine sweat ducts and have decades of debated but persistent data on accumulation in breast tissue (Darbre 2005, 2016).

from the analysis of BASED Magnesium Deodorant (Santal)

Magnesium hydroxide is a gentle and effective odor neutralizer that raises the pH of the skin to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. It is a preferred alternative to aluminum compounds in deodorants. Its non-irritating nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin.

from the analysis of Native Deodorant Aluminum Free Sea Salt & Cedar for Women and Men

Magnesium Hydroxide is a gentle, natural mineral used to neutralize odors. It raises the pH of the skin slightly, which helps to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

from the analysis of Tone Aluminum-Free Deodorant - Fresh

Found in 27 products

+ 3 more products in the Scout app

Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play