Common skin care ingredients -- M

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: a vitamin C derivative; more stable than vitamin C; has comparable effectiveness as collagen synthesis booster.

Methyl Gluceth: a humectant/moisturizing agent.

Methylparaben/Propylparaben: Food grade preservative. One of the most commonly used preservative in cosmetics today; nonirritating, nonsensitizing and nontoxic. May be comedogenic in susceptible persons.

Mexoryl SX: UV radiation blocker used in sunscreens (see Mexoryl SX fact-sheet)

Mineral Oil: a liquid blend of petroleum hydrocarbons obtained. An effective solvent for removing oil, grease and makeup from the skin. Comedogenic. May be drying with prolonged use. Most companies no longer use mineral oil in products; vegetable oils have been found to be as effective and more skin friendly.

Mucopolysacchaildes: safe and effective humectants.

Myristyl Myristate: emollient; an ester of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid.