INCI name Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
CAS number 1327-43-1
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a naturally derived clay mineral commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity regulator. It consists of magnesium, aluminum, and silicate minerals and is classified as a smectite clay. With its strong absorption properties, it helps control excess oil and sebum, making it beneficial for skincare products targeting oily or acne-prone skin.
Purpose
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a multifunctional ingredient in cosmetics, acting as an absorbent to control oil and impurities, an anticaking agent to prevent clumping in powders, an emulsion stabilizer to maintain formulation consistency, and a viscosity controller to enhance texture and application.
Origin
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined, purified, and processed for cosmetic use. Through this refinement, impurities are removed, ensuring it is safe and suitable for personal care and beauty products.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Magnesium Aluminum Silicate |
| Type | Natural clay mineral (Smectite clay) |
| Source | Mined from the Earth, purified, and processed |
| PH | 9–11 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water and oil, dispersible in water |
| Concentration | 0.5%–5% |
| Melting Point | >900°C |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical state | Fine powder |
Natural Clay-Based Thickener
Sourced from smectite clay, this mineral is a naturally occurring alternative to synthetic thickeners, making it ideal for clean beauty and eco-friendly formulations. It enhances the viscosity of creams, gels, and lotions without feeling heavy or greasy.
High Oil & Impurity Absorption
Due to its strong absorbent properties, it effectively removes excess oil, sebum, and impurities from the skin, making it particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skincare products like clay masks and oil-control foundations.
Superior Emulsion Stability
Helps prevent the separation of oil and water in emulsions, ensuring that skincare and cosmetic products maintain a uniform consistency over time. This makes it an essential ingredient in high-quality creams, lotions, and serums.
Enhances Texture & Spreadability
Provides a smooth, silky feel to formulations, improving the application and user experience of products such as facial creams, liquid foundations, and sunscreens. It also helps powders remain soft and lightweight.
Non-Irritating & Hypoallergenic
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is known for being gentle on the skin, making it a preferred choice for sensitive skin formulations. It does not clog pores, cause irritation, or trigger allergic reactions, which is crucial for dermatological and baby care products.
Heat & pH Stability
It remains stable across various temperature ranges and pH levels, making it highly versatile for different types of formulations, including those that require long shelf-life or exposure to varying environmental conditions.
Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable
As a naturally derived mineral, it is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, supporting sustainable cosmetic and personal care formulations. Unlike synthetic thickeners, it does not contribute to microplastic pollution.
Improves Product Longevity
By stabilizing emulsions and preventing ingredient separation, it extends the shelf life of cosmetic products, reducing the need for excessive preservatives.
Applications of Magnesium Aluminum Silicate in Skincare and Cosmetics
Oil Control & Mattifying Products – Used in facial powders, oil-control foundations, and mattifying primers to absorb excess oil and reduce shine, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Face Masks & Cleansers – Commonly found in clay masks, deep-cleansing face washes, and exfoliating scrubs due to its ability to absorb impurities, toxins, and sebum from the skin.
Emulsions & Cream-Based Products – Helps stabilize emulsions in moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, and body lotions, preventing ingredient separation while improving texture and consistency.
Thickening Agent in Gels & Serums – Used in lightweight gels, eye creams, and hydrating serums to provide a smooth, non-greasy feel while maintaining viscosity and spreadability.
Soothing & Sensitive Skin Formulations – Included in products designed for sensitive or irritated skin, such as baby lotions, soothing balms, and post-treatment skincare, due to its non-irritating and hypoallergenic properties.
Makeup Products – Enhances the texture of foundations, pressed powders, blushes, and concealers, providing a silky, lightweight finish while preventing caking and improving wearability.
Sunscreens & SPF Formulations – Improves the dispersion of UV filters and enhances the stability of sunscreen creams and lotions, ensuring even coverage and prolonged protection.
