Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide

AKA “1309-42-8, Milk of magnesia, Magnesium dihydroxide, Magnesium hydrate, Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), Magnesium(II) hydroxide, Phillips magnesia tablets, Magnesium (as hydroxide), Magnesii hydroxidum”

Ingredient

Ingredient Facts

Magnesium hydroxide

AKA: 1309-42-8, Milk of magnesia, Magnesium dihydroxide, Magnesium hydrate, Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), Magnesium(II) hydroxide, Phillips magnesia tablets, Magnesium (as hydroxide), Magnesii hydroxidum

Ingredient · Absorbent · EWG: 1

Synthetic

Clean

Magnesium Hydroxide is a solution of magnesium hydroxide with antacid and laxative properties. Milk of magnesium exerts its antacid activity in low doses such that all hydroxide ions that enter the stomach are used to neutralize stomach acid. This agent exerts its laxative effect in higher doses so that hydroxide ions are able to move from the stomach to the intestines where they attract and retain water, thereby increasing intestinal movement (peristalsis) and inducing the urge to defecate.

Solubility Practically insoluble in water and in ethanol

Formula

H2MgO2

Mol. Weight

58.32

CAS #

1309-42-8

Form

Powder

State

Dry Powder, Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; Liquid; Water or Solvent Wet Solid; Dry Powder; Other Solid

See origin →

Functions

Absorbent

Buffering

Anti-Inflammatory

Boosts Collagen

Wound Healing

Absorbs excess oil

Maintains optimal pH

Traditional Use

Developed as a modern cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient in the 19th-20th centuries. Used industrially as a base and buffering agent; adopted in cosmetics for pH adjustment and as a mild abrasive in some formulations.