Messi Biology states that magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)₂] is a safe and naturally occurring compound with significant applications in natural body deodorants. By utilizing its antibacterial properties and skin-friendliness, it can effectively eliminate odors and protect skin health.
I. Mechanism of Action
- Antibacterial Action: Magnesium hydroxide is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that can alter the pH of the skin, making it more alkaline. Bacteria thrive in a neutral pH environment, while the skin is weakly acidic (pH around 5.5), close to the ideal environment for bacterial growth. Magnesium hydroxide has a pH of approximately 9-12, which is much more alkaline than the skin, so it can inhibit the excessive growth of bacteria by making the skin more alkaline, thereby eliminating odors.
- Skin-Friendly: Magnesium hydroxide has low solubility in water and takes longer to dissolve in sweat. This means that the pH of the skin will increase in a slower, more sustained manner, making magnesium hydroxide gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.
II. Application Advantages
- Safety: Magnesium hydroxide is a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food ingredient, approved for use as a pH control agent in supplements and food. In deodorants, magnesium hydroxide is not absorbed by the skin, but mainly functions on the skin surface, so it is harmless to human health.
- Effectiveness: Magnesium hydroxide can effectively control body odor. Compared with sodium bicarbonate, it is less irritating and more suitable for use in natural deodorants.
- Naturalness: Magnesium hydroxide exists in nature as the mineral brucite, a natural compound that aligns with modern consumers’ pursuit of natural and healthy products.
III. Precautions
- Control Dosage: Although magnesium hydroxide has many advantages in natural body deodorants, the dosage should be controlled during use to avoid excessive application.
- Individual Differences: Each person’s skin condition and constitution are different, and tolerance to magnesium hydroxide may also vary. Therefore, a skin test is recommended before use to ensure that it does not cause allergic reactions or discomfort.