What Is Magnesium Myristate?
Magnesium myristate is a fine white powder made by reacting magnesium, a naturally occurring mineral, with myristic acid, a fatty acid usually sourced from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. The result is a salt that feels silky, repels moisture and blends smoothly with other ingredients. It first appeared in cosmetics in the mid-20th century when formulators sought plant-derived alternatives to talc and other mineral additives. Today manufacturers create it in controlled settings where purified myristic acid is neutralized with magnesium hydroxide, then dried and milled to a uniform particle size.
Because it improves texture and stability, magnesium myristate turns up in pressed powders, foundations, bronzers, eyeshadows, blushes, tinted sunscreens, mattifying primers, solid deodorants, some cream lotions and even stick-type balms. Its velvety feel also makes it popular in products aimed at oil control or a soft-focus finish.
Magnesium Myristate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this multifunctional powder offers several advantages
- Anticaking: Keeps powdered products from clumping so they stay free flowing and easy to apply
- Opacifying: Adds a soft white tint that masks skin imperfections and boosts coverage in makeup
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens or stabilizes emulsions helping creams and lotions stay uniform while giving them a smooth spreadable texture
Who Can Use Magnesium Myristate
Magnesium myristate is generally suitable for most skin types including oily, combination and sensitive skin because it is lightweight and helps control excess shine without stripping moisture. Very dry or mature skin may prefer formulas where it is blended with richer emollients since on its own the powdery texture can highlight flakiness.
The ingredient is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly when the myristic acid is sourced from plants such as coconut or palm kernel oil, which is the industry standard. Those following a strict vegan lifestyle may still want to verify that a specific brand does not use animal-derived myristic acid or test the final product on animals.
Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when magnesium myristate is used topically in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all personal care products by a healthcare professional just to be safe.
Magnesium myristate does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make the skin more prone to sunburn. It also has no known conflicts with common skincare actives such as retinol or vitamin C, making it easy to slot into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to magnesium myristate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, though most users will not experience them if the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation: Rare tingling or redness can occur in very sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis: An uncommon allergy to fatty acid salts may lead to itching or small rash
- Pore congestion: In heavy formulations or when not removed properly the powder can mix with sebum and contribute to blocked pores in acne-prone skin
- Respiratory discomfort: Inhaling loose powder during application might cause coughing or a tickle in the throat especially for those with asthma
If any of these reactions develop stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5
Magnesium myristate is derived from myristic acid, a fatty acid that can be mildly pore clogging, but once it is converted into its magnesium salt the molecule is less greasy and sits more loosely on the skin. Most lab and user reports show few breakouts unless the ingredient is used at high levels in very rich formulas. Because it is still a fatty acid salt, acne-prone users may notice congestion if they layer multiple products that also contain waxes or heavy oils.
Suitable for acne-prone skin in lightweight or powder formulas, less ideal in thick creams where it is present at higher percentages.
Its tendency to reduce oiliness can actually help some users who get shiny during the day, yet proper cleansing at night is important so residue does not mix with sebum and dead skin cells.
Summary
Magnesium myristate acts as an anticaking agent that keeps powders smooth, an opacifier that boosts coverage and a viscosity controller that stabilises emulsions and improves spreadability. It does this by forming a fine moisture-repellent film around particles, adding soft whiteness and giving formulas a silky slip.
While not as famous as talc or silica, it has carved out a steady following among indie makeup brands and clean beauty lines that want plant-derived, vegan-friendly texturisers.
Overall safety is high; the ingredient is non-irritating for most people and shows very low absorption through intact skin. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains magnesium myristate and discontinue use if irritation or breakouts occur.