Milk of Magnesia as Primer: The Makeup Hack for Oily Skin

Jul 7
3 min read

As a professional makeup artist, I’ve tried every primer under the sun—hydrating, mattifying, pore-filling, and even ones that promise to “grip” your makeup like glue. But sometimes, the best beauty hacks come from unconventional sources. Enter milk of magnesia, a medicine-cabinet staple that’s made its way into makeup routines as a primer.

If you’ve ever struggled with oily skin, makeup sliding off your face, or your foundation breaking apart by midday, you may have seen beauty influencers swear by this hack. But does milk of magnesia actually work as a primer? And should you try it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Milk of Magnesia and Why Is It Trending in Beauty?

If you’ve ever scrolled through makeup TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably seen people applying Milk of Magnesia as a primer before their foundation. This household medicine, traditionally used as an antacid and laxative, has gained popularity for its oil-absorbing and mattifying properties.

But does it really work as a primer? Or is it just another viral trend that could harm your skin? Let’s break it down.

Benefits of Milk of Magnesia as a Primer for Oily Skin

Many makeup enthusiasts claim that Milk of Magnesia is a game changer, especially for oily and combination skin types.

Here’s why:

✅ 1. Controls Excess Oil

Milk of Magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide, which helps neutralize oil and balance skin pH. This can keep your T-zone shine-free for hours.

✅ 2. Creates a Matte Canvas

The product dries down to a soft, powdery finish, helping foundation adhere better and preventing makeup from sliding off in humid conditions.

✅ 3. Affordable Primer Alternative

At less than $10 a bottle, it’s much cheaper than luxury mattifying primers.

✔️ Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia (Original Formula)

Perfect for experimenting with this viral hack.

👉 Shop on Amazon

How to Use Milk of Magnesia as a Primer (Step-by-Step)

If you’re curious about trying this makeup hack, follow these steps carefully:

1️⃣ Prep Your Skin

Cleanse and moisturize first.
Hydration is crucial since Milk of Magnesia can be drying.

2️⃣ Shake the Bottle

Shake well to mix the ingredients evenly.

3️⃣ Apply a Thin Layer

Use a cotton pad or clean fingertips to apply a thin, even layer to oily areas (like the forehead, nose, and chin).

4️⃣ Let It Dry

Wait 1–2 minutes for it to set to a matte finish before applying makeup.

5️⃣ Apply Makeup as Usual

Proceed with foundation and your full routine.

The Risks of Using Milk of Magnesia as Primer

While this hack works for many, dermatologists caution against daily use:

⚠️ Disrupts Skin pH

Milk of Magnesia is highly alkaline (pH ~10.5). Frequent use can disturb your skin’s natural barrier and lead to dryness or irritation.

⚠️ May Clog Pores

It’s not formulated for facial use, so sensitive or acne-prone skin may react negatively.

Pro Makeup Artist Tips

✨ Use Sparingly: Reserve this hack for special events or photoshoots—not daily wear.
✨ Patch Test First: Try it on a small area to check for irritation.
✨ Best for Oily Skin: Skip this if you have dry or sensitive skin.

Milk of Magnesia vs. Traditional Primers

Feature	Milk of Magnesia	Mattifying Primers
Oil Control	Excellent	Moderate to Excellent
Price	Budget-Friendly	Mid to High Range
Skin-Friendly	Not ideal for daily use	Formulated for daily use
Finish	Matte	Matte or Natural

The Verdict: Should You Try Milk of Magnesia as a Primer?

For oily skin emergencies, Milk of Magnesia can be a quick fix to keep your makeup flawless all day. However, as a professional makeup artist, I recommend using this hack only occasionally.

For everyday wear, invest in skin-safe primers like: