Manganese Glycinate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Manganese Glycinate?

Manganese Glycinate is a compound formed when the essential trace mineral manganese binds with glycine, one of the body’s simplest amino acids. This pairing creates a stable, water-soluble salt that is easy to work with in cosmetic labs and gentle on skin. Manganese itself occurs naturally in soil, grains and leafy vegetables, while glycine is produced by the body and also found in many protein-rich foods. Scientists first explored the combination for dietary supplements because the glycinate form helps the body absorb minerals more comfortably. Formulators soon noticed that the same stability and mildness translate well to topical use, leading to its appearance in skin care over the past decade.

To create cosmetic-grade Manganese Glycinate, manufacturers react purified manganese salts with glycine under controlled temperature and pH. The finished material is filtered, dried and milled into a fine powder that dissolves quickly in water-based formulas. You will often spot it in hydrating serums, anti-aging creams, after-sun gels, sheet masks and targeted treatments designed to guard skin against daily environmental stress.

Manganese Glycinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient serves two main roles that make it a smart addition to modern skin care.

  • Antioxidant: Manganese is a cofactor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, one of the skin’s natural defense tools against free radicals. By supplying a bioavailable source of manganese, Manganese Glycinate helps reinforce that defense, which can reduce the look of dullness caused by pollution or UV exposure and support a more even skin tone.
  • Skin conditioning: The glycinate portion has a mild, calming effect that can soothe the skin surface while improving moisture retention. When blended into creams or serums it leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortably hydrated without a heavy residue.

Who Can Use Manganese Glycinate

Manganese Glycinate is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily complexions. Its lightweight feel and non-occlusive nature mean it seldom clogs pores, so acne-prone users usually tolerate it well. Sensitive skin also tends to do fine with this ingredient because the glycine portion offers a calming effect. People with a known allergy to manganese compounds, however, should avoid it.

The compound is synthetically produced from mineral and amino acid sources, with no animal by-products involved, so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No data suggest any risk when the ingredient is used topically by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but this is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should review their entire skincare routine with a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.

Manganese Glycinate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Manganese Glycinate can differ from person to person. The issues listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Tingling or stinging on very sensitive skin
  • Localized irritation if applied to broken or compromised skin
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to manganese salts
  • Temporary discoloration if used in very high concentrations

If any of these effects occur the product should be rinsed off and use stopped until guidance can be obtained from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5. Manganese Glycinate is water-soluble, lightweight and does not form an occlusive film on the skin so it does not trap sebum or debris inside pores. Its molecular structure lacks oily chains that usually contribute to clogging which keeps the risk of comedones very low. This makes it a safe choice for people prone to acne or breakouts.

Because it is typically used at low percentages in serums and creams and is often paired with non-comedogenic carriers, its overall pore-clogging potential remains minimal across most formulations.

Summary

Manganese Glycinate delivers two key perks: antioxidant support by feeding the skin a usable form of manganese that boosts superoxide dismutase activity and skin conditioning through the calming humectant nature of glycine. Together they help fend off dullness from environmental stress and leave skin feeling soft and hydrated.

The ingredient is slowly gaining visibility, mainly in niche antioxidant serums and soothing post-sun products, rather than being a mainstream staple. Its gentle profile, vegan origin and ease of formulation make it attractive for brands looking to add trace mineral benefits without heaviness.

Current data point to a very low risk of irritation or pore blockage when used as directed. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to perform a patch test whenever you introduce a new product that contains Manganese Glycinate.

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