Magnesium Stearate in Cosmetics
Karl Kraus very aptly said “Cosmetics is a science of a woman’s cosmos” Initially the beauty products were all about enhancing the natural beauty. Slowly it began to use as products that will change one’s look.
At the advent of the cosmetics industry, there were only a few shades, which does not use to give a polished look. Slowly the array of products was introduced in the market which included lipstick, face powder, eyeshadow, lotion, and cream. Around 1920 nail polish was introduced in the market. And many companies entered into this market and organized production was started. Everyone was looking to sell different and enhanced products. It demanded innovation in the products, so companies began to invest in the Research and Development.
In this article, we will discuss an ingredient less known by the user but widely used in the production of cosmetics. Cosmetics are used in everyday routine by both men and women. Every cosmetic is made by combining chemicals and synthetic ingredients, but they are hardly aware of this ingredient, ‘Magnesium Stearate’
It is the combination of Stearic Acid and Mineral Magnesium. It is odourless, soapy white powder, solid at room temperature and does not contain trans fatty acid. It is largely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Magnesium Stearate is used in the production of medicines and dietary supplements. It has the property of lubricants, so it prevents ingredients in the supplements to stick to each other and to the machine. The ingredients and material requirement of these are industries are common to a large extent. Magnesium Stearate is used in cosmetics and personal care products like lipsticks, mascara, eyeliner, eye-shadow, face powder etc. It is used in foundation, blushes, eyeshadow and pressed powders that can be stored in a compact.
Reason For Use Of Magnesium Stearate In Cosmetic Industry:
1. Magnesium Stearate is an awesome ingredient for people who have oily skin because it absorbs oil and helps in keeping the products on skin.
2. It improves adhesion, slip, and texture of the cosmetic products.
3. Magnesium Stearate is especially useful in pressed powders as it is able in to stick to skin as well as it will reduce the glide, slip, and skin feels of your product.
4. It is used as a pacifier, and non-gelling thickener as well as a film-forming and anti-caking agent for powder makeup.
5. A very useful additive for many cosmetic recipes — especially for pressed mineral blusher, foundation or eyeshadow, this will give silky smooth effect and work as an additive to your finished product.
6. It is water repellent and oil absorbing qualities — which is another skin-related benefit for foundation bases.
7. Magnesium stearate helps to make a “dull presentation” which is used for producing matte finished cosmetics.
8. Magnesium Stearate can also be added to the oil phase of recipes such as creams, hair pomades, and salves. The addition of this product will act as a thickening agent
9. It is used as film-forming, anti-caking and lubricating agent for silkiness.
10. It has emulsifying properties.
Let Us Find More About This Ingredient
As we know that it is made of two ingredients, Magnesium, and Stearic Acid. Magnesium is a mineral found in the crust of the earth. This amazing ingredient is added to mineral cosmetics and gives natural healthy forms. It is used in the cosmetics industry as it offers matte finish owing to its oil absorbing qualities and adhesive property. It has high absorption quality and also the disinfectant properties.
Uses Of Magnesium Stearate In Other Industries
It is used as additives in various industries like paint, cement paints, Rubber Industry, soap industry, toothpaste and manufacturing of compound of PVC pipes.