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Moumoujus

SODIUM MAGNESIUM SILICATE.

Valuable CAS 101659-01-2 / BINDING, BULKING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Magnesium Silicate is a synthetic silicate clay widely utilized in skincare for its versatile physical properties. It functions as a rheology modifier, enabling precise control over product texture and stability by absorbing water to form a gel-like structure, thereby enhancing viscosity and preventing ingredient separation.

Summary

Viscosity Controlling Emulsion Stabilizing Abrasive Bulking Agent Suspending Agent Thickener Binder Opacifying Agent Anticaking Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates by absorbing aqueous solutions, forming a colloidal dispersion that significantly increases the viscosity and bulk of formulations. Its silicate structure allows it to act as a suspending agent, effectively preventing the settling of solid particles, and as an emulsion stabilizer, maintaining the homogeneity of oil-in-water or water-in-oil systems.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A concentration of 4% demonstrated no primary skin irritation in rabbits and no cumulative skin irritation in guinea pigs, indicating a favorable safety profile for topical application.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 9 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Magnesium Silicate is practically insoluble in water, yet it readily swells to create a colloidal dispersion, crucial for its function as a thickener and suspending agent in aqueous formulations. It exhibits decomposition in the presence of mineral acids, and its performance characteristics are highly dependent on the system's pH, with an optimal range observed between 9.0 and 10.0.

Conflicts

  • Mineral acids
  • Chelation/binding with certain drugs (note: primarily observed with oral administration of related silicates, but a general consideration for strong chelators)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Magnesium Silicate safe for use in cosmetic formulations as currently employed. While a 4% concentration was found to be non-irritating in animal studies, the CIR did not establish a specific maximum concentration for cosmetic applications. Magnesium silicate, a closely related compound, is also recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a food additive up to 2% in table salt, further supporting its safety profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Magnesium Silicate is a valuable cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as a safe and effective rheology modifier, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer across various skincare and cosmetic formulations.

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