Ingredient review
Magnesium Myristate
INCI: Magnesium Myristate
Magnesium Myristate is a safe, non-irritating powder ingredient that gives makeup a silky feel and helps products glide on smoothly.
In plain English
Magnesium Myristate is a fine, white powder made from magnesium and myristic acid (a fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil and other fats). In cosmetics, it's added to pressed powders, foundations, and blushes to make them feel silky and smooth on the skin. It also helps the product stick together in a pan and gives it a nice, even finish. Think of it as a helper ingredient that improves the texture and application of your makeup without causing irritation or clogging pores.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Magnesium Myristate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Magnesium Myristate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Magnesium Myristate is a salt formed by combining magnesium with myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It appears as a white, fine powder and is used primarily in color cosmetics for its texture-enhancing properties.
How it works
In a cosmetic formula, Magnesium Myristate acts as a bulking agent and texture modifier. Its fine particles fill in gaps between other powder ingredients, creating a smooth, creamy feel. It also helps bind powders together, improving the hardness and payoff of pressed products. When applied, it reduces friction, allowing the product to glide over skin without dragging.
Pros
Silky texture
Magnesium Myristate gives powders a luxurious, silky feel that makes application smooth and even, reducing drag on the skin.
Low irritation risk
It is considered very safe and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and around the eye area.
Cons and cautions
Limited to powder formulas
Because it is not water-soluble, Magnesium Myristate is mostly used in anhydrous products like powders and lipsticks, not in creams or lotions.
Can feel heavy at high levels
If used in very high concentrations, it may create a thick, cakey feel on the skin rather than the desired light texture.
Best for
- Anyone who uses pressed powders, blushes, or eye shadows and wants a smooth, blendable texture
- People with normal to oily skin who prefer a matte, silky finish
Use caution if
- Those with extremely dry or flaky skin may find powders with this ingredient too mattifying or drying
Usage tips
Safety summary
Magnesium Myristate is considered very safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and sensitization potential and is not known to be toxic or carcinogenic. Regulatory bodies and safety panels have reviewed it and found it safe at typical use levels.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have concluded that Magnesium Myristate is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. There is limited published research on its efficacy, but its long history of use supports its safety and functionality.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and other major markets. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe as used in cosmetics.
- Common uses
- Pressed powders, Loose powders, Foundations, Blushes, Eye shadows, Lipsticks
- Environmental note
- Magnesium Myristate is synthetically produced, which reduces the need for mining natural minerals like talc. However, its production involves chemical synthesis, which has its own environmental footprint.
Good to know
- Magnesium Myristate is often used as a replacement for talc in 'talc-free' powders.
- It is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores.
Common questions
What is Magnesium Myristate in beauty products?
Magnesium Myristate is a fine, white powder made from magnesium and myristic acid (a fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil and other fats). In cosmetics, it's added to pressed powders, foundations, and blushes to make them feel silky and smooth on the skin. It also helps the product stick together in a pan and gives it a nice, even finish. Think of it as a helper ingredient that improves the texture and application of your makeup without causing irritation or clogging pores.
What does Magnesium Myristate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic formula, Magnesium Myristate acts as a bulking agent and texture modifier. Its fine particles fill in gaps between other powder ingredients, creating a smooth, creamy feel. It also helps bind powders together, improving the hardness and payoff of pressed products. When applied, it reduces friction, allowing the product to glide over skin without dragging.
Is Magnesium Myristate safe for most people?
Magnesium Myristate is considered very safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and sensitization potential and is not known to be toxic or carcinogenic. Regulatory bodies and safety panels have reviewed it and found it safe at typical use levels.
Who should be careful with Magnesium Myristate?
Those with extremely dry or flaky skin may find powders with this ingredient too mattifying or drying
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.