Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Magnesium Oxide

INCI: MAGNESIUM OXIDE

CAS Number
1309-48-4
Function
Bulking agent, absorbent, pH adjuster, opacifying agent
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Delisted as color additive (formerly exempt from certification); permitted as general cosmetic ingredient

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

1 study endpoint found for Magnesium Oxide. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 250 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Hazard Statements
No hazard classification according to GHS criteria
Short-term Exposure Effects
May cause mechanical irritation.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolongated exposure to dust particles.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of dust or fume.

Expert Verdict

Inhalation risk in powder formulations — dust may cause respiratory tract irritation; not classified as hazardous for dermal use

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

epa_safer_alternative fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Magnesium Oxide safe in cosmetics?

Inhalation risk in powder formulations — dust may cause respiratory tract irritation; not classified as hazardous for dermal use The EU classifies Magnesium Oxide as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Magnesium Oxide allowed in the EU?

Magnesium Oxide EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Magnesium Oxide do in cosmetics?

Magnesium Oxide functions as: Bulking agent, absorbent, pH adjuster, opacifying agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 1309-48-4.

What is the Margin of Safety for Magnesium Oxide?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Magnesium Oxide?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Magnesium Oxide is 250 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Compliance Tools

Check Magnesium Oxide compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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