Is Magnesium Hydroxide Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Magnesium Hydroxide is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Magnesium Hydroxide?
A naturally occurring mineral used in natural deodorants. Raises skin pH to inhibit odor-causing bacteria without blocking sweat glands.
Commonly found in: natural deodorant, antacid, laxative
Safety Research & Evidence
A naturally occurring mineral used in natural deodorants. Raises skin pH to inhibit odor-causing bacteria without blocking sweat glands.
Regulatory status: FDA OTC monograph for antacid and laxative; safe in cosmetics
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Baking Soda | 9/10 |
How to Avoid Magnesium Hydroxide
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Magnesium Hydroxide" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Baking Soda
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Magnesium Hydroxide-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magnesium Hydroxide safe for babies?
Magnesium Hydroxide is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Magnesium Hydroxide?
Safer alternatives include Baking Soda (safety score: 9/10).
Is Magnesium Hydroxide banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: FDA OTC monograph for antacid and laxative; safe in cosmetics
How do I know if my product contains Magnesium Hydroxide?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Magnesium Hydroxide may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Proksch E et al. (2017). Magnesium in dermatology: mechanisms and therapeutic applications PMID: 25843666