The Origins of Magnesium Hydroxide: What It Is and Where It Comes From

Magnesium hydroxide is one of those ingredients you may see on a label and wonder, “What is that?” But this simple mineral compound has a long history and a pretty fascinating origin story. From calming upset stomachs to keeping your armpits fresh, magnesium hydroxide does a lot more than you might expect.

What Is Magnesium Hydroxide?

Let’s start with the basics. Magnesium hydroxide is a white, powdery substance made up of magnesium, oxygen, and hydrogen. It’s often called “milk of magnesia” when mixed with water, which is the form most people know from medicine cabinets.

So, what is magnesium hydroxide used for? It’s been around for over a century, mainly in antacids and laxatives. But now, it’s found in other personal care products too. One of the most exciting? Deodorant. And yes, it works surprisingly well.

Natural Sources of Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It comes from natural sources, and there are two main ways we get it:

• Brucite: This is a natural mineral form of magnesium hydroxide. It’s found in rocks and mined from the earth.
• Seawater: Magnesium is abundant in the ocean. With the right process, it can be turned into magnesium hydroxide.

So when people talk about natural sources of magnesium hydroxide, they usually mean brucite or seawater. Both are rich in magnesium, and both can be turned into the powdery form used in products like deodorant and antacids.

Magnesium Hydroxide from Seawater

One of the coolest things about this compound is that it can come straight from the sea. Magnesium hydroxide from seawater is made by adding a base like lime (calcium hydroxide) to seawater. This causes magnesium to react and form a soft, white solid magnesium hydroxide.

This method is popular because it’s sustainable. The ocean has a nearly unlimited supply of magnesium. With careful processing, it’s possible to get high-purity magnesium hydroxide without mining or heavy chemicals.

Brucite: A Natural Mineral Source

Another major source is brucite magnesium hydroxide. Brucite is a mineral found in places like the U.S., Russia, and Canada. It’s dug out of the earth and then processed into a usable form.

Brucite is especially pure, which makes it great for cosmetics and skincare products. It’s also used in flame retardants and other industrial materials. But in personal care, it’s prized for being gentle on skin and effective against odor.

How Is Magnesium Hydroxide Made?

So how is magnesium hydroxide made from these sources? The process depends on where it comes from.

From seawater, it’s usually made by:

1. Pumping seawater into a treatment tank.
2. Adding lime to trigger a chemical reaction.
3. Separating and drying the magnesium hydroxide that forms.

From brucite, the steps are simpler:

1. Mining and crushing the mineral.
2. Purifying it to remove unwanted materials.
3. Grinding it into a fine powder.

Either way, the result is the same: a fine, gentle powder that works wonders in personal care and health products.

History of Magnesium Hydroxide

The history of magnesium hydroxide goes back to the early 1800s. That’s when a chemist named Sir James Murray used it to treat stomach problems and later created what we now know as milk of magnesia. It became a go-to remedy for heartburn, indigestion, and constipation.

By the mid-1900s, it was widely used in pharmacies all over the world. Magnesium hydroxide in antacids worked by neutralizing stomach acid, giving quick relief. It also helped draw water into the intestines, making it useful as a laxative.

It was safe, cheap, and effective. No wonder it became a household name.

Modern Uses: From Antacids to Deodorant

Today, magnesium hydroxide uses go far beyond your medicine cabinet. One of its newest roles? Natural deodorant. That’s right this mineral compound is popping up in clean, skin-friendly formulas that fight odor without harsh chemicals.

So why is magnesium hydroxide in deodorant such a big deal?

• It stops odor-causing bacteria without clogging pores.
• It balances your skin’s pH, making it less inviting to bacteria.
• It’s gentle, even for sensitive skin.

Unlike aluminum-based deodorants, magnesium hydroxide doesn’t block sweat. It just neutralizes the smell. That means your body can still cool itself naturally while staying fresh.

Why Choose Magnesium Hydroxide?

Whether it’s in your antacid or your deodorant, magnesium hydroxide is a smart choice. It’s:

• Natural: Sourced from seawater or brucite with minimal processing.
• Safe: Backed by decades of use in medical and personal care products.
• Gentle: Non-irritating, even for sensitive or reactive skin.

It’s not just about what it does. It’s also about what it doesn’t do. It doesn’t block sweat. It doesn’t upset your skin. It just helps your body do its job without the stink.

Quick Takeaways

• What is magnesium hydroxide? A natural compound used in antacids, laxatives, and deodorants.
• Where does it come from? Seawater and the mineral brucite are the main natural sources.
• How is it made? By reacting magnesium with a base like lime or processing brucite into a powder.
• Why is it useful? It’s gentle, effective, and safe for both internal and external use.

Final Thoughts

Magnesium hydroxide may have started as a stomach remedy, but its journey hasn’t stopped there. Now you’ll find it in modern skincare and personal care products, especially deodorants that want to stay clean and effective.

Its origins in seawater and brucite make it a natural pick. Its long track record in medicine proves it’s safe. And its ability to fight odor without irritation makes it a favorite for anyone looking to treat their skin right.

At MAGS Skin, we believe in using ingredients that work with your body, not against it. That’s why we trust magnesium hydroxide to help keep your underarms fresh, clean, and balanced.