Sunscreen Ranker Independent ranker
Ingredient · INCI reference

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium Citrate is the magnesium salt of citric acid, used in cosmetics as a chelating and skin-conditioning agent.

What it is

Magnesium Citrate is the magnesium salt of citric acid. In cosmetic formulas it can act as a chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to help maintain stability, and it contributes to buffering and skin conditioning. It is water-soluble and is added to the water phase.

Safety & warnings

It is generally well tolerated in topical products at typical use levels. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen and is not associated with comedogenicity.

Origin & sourcing

Synthetic salt formed from citric acid and a magnesium source.

Questions everyone asks

What does magnesium citrate do in a formula?

It can chelate trace metals to support stability and contributes to buffering and skin conditioning.

Is it water- or oil-soluble?

It is water-soluble and is added to the water phase of a formula.

Sources & references

Back to all ingredients