What is Magnesium Hydroxide?

Magnesium hydroxide is a pure, white mineral powder. It is created by reacting magnesium oxide with purified water and then drying it. The result is a silky-soft powder that is completely odorless.

On the skin, it binds acids and absorbs moisture and oil. This helps reduce unpleasant odors and gives a matte, dry finish. It is much milder than baking soda, making skin less prone to irritation.

Ideal for DIY: the base for natural deodorants, and great as a mattifier in creams, masks and dry shampoo.

What are the benefits of Magnesium Hydroxide?

Less sweat odor
Sweat itself has little smell, but skin bacteria produce acidic substances that do smell. Magnesium hydroxide binds those acids, reducing odor.

Gentle on sensitive underarms
The powder barely dissolves in water and stays mainly on the skin surface. This means less chance of a reaction than with baking soda. Pleasant for sensitive skin.

Absorbs moisture and oil
The mineral powder absorbs moisture and sebum. This keeps underarms, scalp or T-zone drier and less shiny.

Matte finish
Gives creams and makeup a soft, matte look. The powder feels silky and not grainy.

Stable and odorless
Does not react with fragrances or plant extracts and remains stable in both aqueous and anhydrous formulas. Ideal for fragrance-free recipes.

How to use Magnesium Hydroxide?

Deodorant cream or stick: Use 5–20% in an anhydrous base of oils, butters and wax. Mix the powder into the warm oil phase and stir well while cooling. Start with a lower percentage for sensitive underarms.

Deodorant roll-on: Use 3–8%. First mix the powder with a little water or glycerin until smooth paste and stir into the rest of the formula.

Cream or lotion: Use 0.5–2% for a matte finish. First mix with a little water until a smooth paste, then add to the formula.

Mask: Use 1–3% to reduce shine and create a gentler cleanse.

Dry shampoo or deo powder: Mix 5–10% with, for example, arrowroot powder or clay. Avoid inhaling dust.

What makes Magnesium Hydroxide so special?

It barely dissolves in water. That is precisely why it stays on the skin and works long-lasting, without penetrating deeply. This makes it surprisingly mild for something that works so well against sweat odor.