Magnesium Aluminium Silicate is a powdery, dry-feeling, white solid
that can be used as a thickening agent and powder in cosmetics. It
is a natural thickener derived from refined smectite clays. It is
thixotropic, tending to gel when at rest, but flowing freely when
shaken. It is present in toothpaste, antiperspirant, cosmetic
make-up, body lotion and creams. It acts as a stabilizing agent. It
suspends powders and pigments. It reduces stringiness and tackiness
of organic gum solutions. It improves spreadability and gives
cosmetic elegance to formulations.
Advantages of magnesium aluminium silicate over organic
gums:
- water dispersions are not tacky or greasy
- enhances stablity, even when stored for prolonged periods in the
original container. Unlike organic gums, it is not subject to
bacterial decomposition
- readily dispered in water without soaking
- suspends powder and pigments more efficiently at lower viscosity
than organic gums. In many cases it will give free flowing
suspensions where organic gum form either irreversible gels or hard
packed settling.
Acid balanced pH to match the natural pH of human skin,
approximately pH 5
