A naturally occurring clay that is hygroscopic, which means that it easily absorbs water. This ingredient is thus commonly used as an absorbent and emulsion stabilizer. It also modifies slip by improving the spreadability of the products it is used in.
Functions
Absorbent,
Absorbent
Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin.
Absorbent,
Absorbent
Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin.
Anticaking,
Anticaking
Anticaking – prevents the formation of clumps.
Anticaking,
Anticaking
Anticaking – prevents the formation of clumps.
Bulking,
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Bulking,
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Opacifying,
Opacifying
Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products.
Opacifying,
Opacifying
Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products.
Slip Modifier,
Slip Modifier
Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product.
Slip Modifier,
Slip Modifier
Slip modifier – provides lubricity to a product.
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin
Naturally occurring
Naturally occurring
These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.
Naturally occurring
Naturally occurring
These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.
Overview
Magnesium aluminum silicate is a naturally occurring smectite clay that is hygroscopic, which means it easily absorbs water. As a result, this ingredient is commonly used as an absorbent, which is beneficial for preventing moisture from damaging dry, powder-based skincare products.
In addition to functioning as an absorbent, magnesium aluminum silicate is frequently used to stabilize emulsions. This includes both oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions, such as lotions, creams, and serums. This fluffy off-white powder also modifies slip by improving the spreadability of the products it is used in.
Additionally, magnesium aluminum silicate serves as an opacifying agent, in which it transforms products that normally appear clear or translucent into solid-colored products. This can be done for aesthetic purposes or to affect the coverage provided upon application to the skin.
Also, this ingredient can function as a viscosity controlling agent, which means it can cause products to thicken upon its addition to the water phase or the oil phase.
Finally, magnesium aluminum silicate can work as an anti-caking agent, which is also due to its ability to remove water that could potentially damage an otherwise dry product.
