Magnesium hydroxide acts as an antacid and pH regulator in powder formulations, offering pH buffering, ingredient protection, and gentle neutralization, making it suitable for various fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and industry, according to Hebei Messi Biology Co., Ltd. Product design needs to balance alkalinity, purity, and particle size distribution to ensure performance and safety.
- Neutralizing Acidic Components and Protecting Formula Stability: Powder formulations may contain weak acids or hygroscopic acidic substances (such as organic acids or acid salts). Magnesium hydroxide, a weakly alkaline inorganic compound, can neutralize these acids, preventing the degradation of reactive ingredients. The neutralization reaction is gentle and produces water and soluble or insoluble salts without introducing harmful by-products.
- Adjusting Product pH and Improving Storage Safety: Many powder formulations have strict pH requirements. Excessive acidity can lead to problems such as hydrolysis of active ingredients, color changes, and flavor deterioration. Magnesium hydroxide can act as a pH buffer, maintaining the formulation within the ideal weakly alkaline or neutral range. It is particularly suitable for pH-sensitive products such as food additive powders, pharmaceutical powders, and daily chemical cleaning powders.
- Providing Mild Antacid Properties for Oral Use: Magnesium hydroxide is commonly used as an antacid ingredient in pharmaceutical and health powder formulations. It neutralizes stomach acid, alleviating discomfort caused by excessive stomach acid. Unlike strong alkalis (such as sodium hydroxide), magnesium hydroxide’s neutralization reaction in the stomach is relatively mild and less likely to cause rebound acid secretion.
- Improving Powder Flowability and Dispersibility: High-purity magnesium hydroxide powder has good dispersibility and can be evenly distributed in composite powder systems. It can be used with other fillers (talc powder, calcium carbonate, starch, etc.) to improve overall flow performance, making it easy to process and package. A reasonable choice of particle size can avoid “caking” and extend shelf life.
- Application Examples:
- Food additive powders: As a pH regulator or food-grade magnesium supplement.
- Pharmaceutical antacid powders: To neutralize stomach acid and protect the gastric mucosa.
- Cosmetic/personal care powders: To adjust pH and reduce irritation to the skin.
- Industrial cleaning powders: To neutralize acidic components and avoid corrosion or irritation.