Ingredient
Calcium Carbonate; Magnesium Stearate
Benefits
Synthetic
Found in oral care products, this ingredient gently polishes teeth.
Where do we get it and how is it made?
Lush UK purchases this ingredient from Korea. It’s the calcium carbonate, a white powder, that really has an effect on the teeth. It’s treated with magnesium stearate, a sticky substance that improves calcium carbonate’s smoothness and enhances its white colour - a result that would ordinarily be achieved by an ingredient called titanium dioxide. As Lush aims to offer the choice of titanium dioxide-free products in its oral care range, the combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium stearate seems like a very interesting alternative.
What are the benefits?
- Polishes the teeth
- Neutralises plaque acid
Unique stories
The pharmaceutical industry often uses these two ingredients either independently or together. For example, calcium carbonate is sold as a calcium supplement or as an antacid. Magnesium stearate, on the other hand, serves as a lubricant or "flow agent", which improves the consistency and quality of medications.