Magnesium Sulfate, also called epsom salt, is a white crystalline compound. In cosmetics and personal care products, Magnesium Sulfate is used in the formulation of a wide variety of product types, including bath products, skin fresheners and cleansers, shampoos, hair products, suntan products, makeup and skin care products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of Magnesium Sulfate and has placed Magnesium Sulfate on the list of direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
The FDA has also approved Magnesium Sulfate for use in Over-the-Counter (OTC) laxative drug products. When used in OTC drug products, this ingredient must be called epsom salt.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of this ingredient because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.The FDA’s Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) concluded that there was no evidence in the available information on Magnesium Sulfate that demonstrates, or suggests a hazard to the public when it is used at levels that are now current or might reasonably be expected in the future.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opascogc.html
Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Magnesium Sulfate
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
Federal Register Notice regarding OTC laxative drug products.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/otcmonographs/Laxative/laxative_TF_1...
Magnesium Sulfate may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...