Magnesium Carbonate
What is it?
Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Potassium Carbonate and Zinc Carbonate are all salts of carbonic acid. All of these ingredients are white powders. These carbonate salts are used in bath products, makeup products, personal cleanliness products, shaving products, oral care products and skin and hair care products.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate and Potassium Carbonate on its list of direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Carbonate are FDA approved as active ingredients in Over-the-Counter (OTC) antacid drug products. Zinc Carbonate is approved for use in OTC skin protectant drug products at concentrations of 0.2 to 2%. Calcium Cabonate is an FDA approved color additive for use in drugs.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deferred evaluation of these ingredients because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.
Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Carbonate are FDA approved as active ingredients in Over-the-Counter (OTC) antacid drug products. Zinc Carbonate is approved for use in OTC skin protectant drug products at concentrations of 0.2 to 2%. Calcium Cabonate is an FDA approved color additive for use in drugs.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deferred evaluation of these ingredients because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
The following functions have been reported for these carbonate salts.
Abrasive - Calcium Carbonate
Absorbent - Magnesium Carbonate
Buffering agent - Calcium Carbonate
Bulking agent - Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate
Opacifying agent - Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Zinc Carbonate
Oral care agent - Calcium Carbonate
pH adjuster - Magnesium Carbonate, Potassium Cabonate
Skin protectant - Zinc Carbonate
Abrasive - Calcium Carbonate
Absorbent - Magnesium Carbonate
Buffering agent - Calcium Carbonate
Bulking agent - Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate
Opacifying agent - Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Zinc Carbonate
Oral care agent - Calcium Carbonate
pH adjuster - Magnesium Carbonate, Potassium Cabonate
Skin protectant - Zinc Carbonate
Scientific facts:
Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Cabonate, Potassium Carbonate and Zinc Carbonate are inorganic salts of carbonic acid. Calcium Carbonate, also called calcite, is the main component of limestone. Magnesium Carbonate, also called magnesite, is the main component of chalk used as a drying agent for hands in rock climbing, gymnastics and weight lifting. Potassium Carbonate is also called potash. Zinc Carbonate is sometimes referred to as zinc spar or smithsonite.
