Roll Call

“Magnesium Sulfate?”Here!Epsom salt

OtherThickenerMineral

Appears in 1 scanned product.

In personal care

A naturally occurring mineral salt made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen, the same compound sold as Epsom salt for baths.

Why it’s used

In formulations it works as a thickener in certain surfactant systems and can help stabilize emulsions. It is also included in bath products for the soak itself, where magnesium absorption through skin is a separate, debated question from its cosmetic role.

What the evidence says

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed magnesium sulfate used as a bulking agent at concentrations up to 11% in leave-on and 25% in rinse-off products and concluded it is safe in current cosmetic use. Supporting data cited include a negative mouse skin irritation study and a negative in vitro sensitization assay at 50% concentration, plus clinical patch-test experience showing no sensitization potential from magnesium salts. The assessment is a single expert panel review of available data rather than new large-scale human trials, but it directly addresses the concentrations and exposure route (leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic use) relevant to consumers.

Context

Used in both rinse-off and leave-on products, typically at modest concentrations where it functions as a texture modifier rather than an active ingredient.

Rumors

  1. Magnesium sulfate exfoliates and soothes the skin.

    Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • OLIVE TREE PEOPLE — a brand: sells olive-based waterless beauty and wellness products under its own brands
      How we know who this is
      • “OLIVE TREE PEOPLE is, as we affectionately say, our "Mother Tree", around which many more trees – our love brands – grow.” (their page)

  2. Epsom salt clears acne.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • acne.org — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it

  3. Magnesium sulfate reduces the skin's oil (sebum) production.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • OLIVE TREE PEOPLE — a brand: sells olive-based waterless beauty and wellness products under its own brands
      How we know who this is
      • “OLIVE TREE PEOPLE is, as we affectionately say, our "Mother Tree", around which many more trees – our love brands – grow.” (their page)

  4. Epsom salt in shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds volume to hair.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Epsom Salt Council — an advocacy group: promotes the use of Epsom salt
      How we know who this is
      • “© 2026 Epsom Salt Council. All rights reserved.” (their page)
      • “Consider this your all-in-one resource on Epsom salt—what it is, how it works and why experts in a wide range of fields recommend using natural, pure Epsom salt in everything from at-home health, fitness and beauty treatments to gardening and crafts.” (their page)

  5. Magnesium sulfate draws toxins out of the skin.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • OLIVE TREE PEOPLE — a brand: sells olive-based waterless beauty and wellness products under its own brands
      How we know who this is
      • “OLIVE TREE PEOPLE is, as we affectionately say, our "Mother Tree", around which many more trees – our love brands – grow.” (their page)

Where it shows up