
Magnesium is an essential micronutrient and has many useful applications. It can be sourced and extracted using environmentally friendly processes.
Magnesium can be found in mineral and multimineral supplements. It is also available in many foods. Good food sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables (spinach), nuts (almonds) and whole grains (wheat, oats and barley).
Magnesium is most commonly made using two different processes: thermal reduction of magnesium oxide, and electrolysis of magnesium chloride.
Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) has been evaluated for safety by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review expert panel. The panel concluded that magnesium sulfate is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration. It is used as a bulking ingredient and conditioning agent.
Elemental magnesium is often bonded to amino acids (aspartic acid and glycine) as well as to citric acid. You’ll find these in mineral supplements with names like: Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate; Magnesium Aspartate; Magnesium Citrate; Magnesium Glycinate.
Supplement manufacturers do this because it helps the magnesium to better withstand the acidity of the stomach and pass to the small intestine where it can be absorbed.
More recently, liposomal technology is being used to enhance the absorption rates of magnesium.