Magnesium Coceth Sulfate
AKA “Magnesium cocoeth sulfate, Magnesium sulfate cocoeth
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Magnesium coceth sulfate
AKA: Magnesium cocoeth sulfate, Magnesium sulfate cocoeth
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
Fatty alcohols, coco-, ethoxylated, sulfates, magnesium salts Science: Functions: Surfactant - Cleansing, Surfactant - Emulsifying Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Form
Powder
See origin →
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
Protects skin from free radical damage caused by UV, pollution, and stress
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.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR
Magnesium Coceth Sulfate — Duck Heart Ghost