Magnesium Coceth Sulfate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Magnesium cocoeth sulfate, Magnesium sulfate cocoeth
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Fatty alcohols, coco-, ethoxylated, sulfates, magnesium salts
Form
Powder
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Fights Acne
Antioxidant
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic derivative created by combining magnesium sulfate with coconut-derived fatty alcohols; developed in the 20th century as a mild cleansing agent and skin conditioning ingredient for modern formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR