Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 14 Aug 2026
Derived from naturally occurring clay minerals
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Magnesium Aluminum Silicate?
Magnesium aluminum silicate is derived from naturally occurring clay minerals. It has absorbent properties and is often used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics. One of its other unique properties is that it improves the spreadability of a formula. Magnesium aluminum silicate may also be included to impart opacity to a formula thanks to its powdery off-white to creamy-white color. It is particularly helpful in makeup products, where it aides in suspending pigments and delivering them evenly to the surface of skin.
Magnesium aluminum silicate may also be added to a formula as an emulsion stabilizer where it helps unlike ingredients (like oil and water) blend and stay together. You can find this ingredient in deodorant products, body creams, facial lotions and many other kinds of personal care products.
In March 2021, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reaffirmed this ingredient is safe to use in skin care formulations. Their report looked at concentrations up to 11%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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The Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2021, pages 1-27 The Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2021
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International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 37-102 International Journal of Toxicology, 2003
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International Federation Societies of Cosmetic Chemists, 1997, pages 1-43 International Federation Societies of Cosmetic Chemists, 1997
From the Clinic
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Magnesium Aspartate
A magnesium salt of amino acid aspartic acid
Magnesium Chloride
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A mineral salt that helps control texture and opacity in skincare formulations
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