Sodium Magnesium Silicate

* A binder and bulking agent

Functions:

Sodium Magnesium Silicate is a synthetic silicate clay, comprised mainly of magnesium and sodium silicate. It is used as a binder and bulking agent in cosmetics and personal care products, in part because of its ability to absorb water (CosmeticsInfo.org). It is also used in the creation of concrete. According to a patent filed for a skin-whitening cream, Sodium Magnesium Silicate is effective in slowing the decomposition of formulas, and can "prevent premature darkening of the cosmetic composition and to prevent premature development of a foul odor." The research done for this patent found that skin-whitening agents susceptible to oxidation have longer shelf lives if those cosmetic compositions also contain Sodium Magnesium Silicate, so it may be considered a preservative in some cases as well.

Sodium Magnesium Silicate is CIR approved, with a maximum concentration limit.

Functions:

Sodium Magnesium Silicate is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, and has been found to be non-irritating and not significantly toxic in oral acute or short-term oral or injection toxicity studies (CosmeticsInfo.org). However, because Sodium Magnesium Silicate has large particles, it may be irritating to the eyes.

Recommended Products w/ Sodium Magnesium Silicate:

Dermalogica Pre-Shave Guard, NARSskin EFA Night Infusion