Upsalite
Upsalite® in make-up — close-up of two faces with a soft, matte, blurred-skin finishUpsalite® for anti-chafe — soldier in Swedish forest camouflage carrying a field packUpsalite® for sports performance — climber gripping a rock faceUpsalite® in deodorant — man applying a deodorant stick after showeringUpsalite® in dry shampoo — woman refreshing her hair roots with a spray

The impossible material.

Upsalite® is a patented mesoporous magnesium carbonate from Uppsala University, Sweden — a higher-performing, microplastic-free alternative to silica and talc with industry-leading oil absorption.

As seen in
VogueThe Washington PostPopSugarVogue ScandinaviaAllureBeauty IndependentPhys.orgNYSCC

Voices about Upsalite®

01First impressions · Upsalite® Powder
02Upsalite® technology, explained
03A makeup tip · @palinaskinphilosophy
04Peep in the lab · Episode 2

What is Upsalite®?

Upsalite® is the first and only mesoporous magnesium carbonate — a patented multifunctional ingredient invented in 2012 at Uppsala University, Sweden, after researchers had called the material impossible for over 100 years. Its porous structure, with a narrow pore size distribution and high surface area, absorbs both sebum and sweat simultaneously — more than other commonly used ingredients — while scattering light for a strong blurring effect and adhering better to skin.

More about Upsalite
Upsalite® pebble with a magnified view of its mesoporous structure

Frequently Asked Questions

01What makes Upsalite® unique?+
The secret is in the pores: Upsalite® is truly a multifunctional ingredient with a narrow pore size distribution, and a high surface area which enables superior simultaneous absorption of lipophilic and hydrophilic substances such as sebum and sweat. The porous structure gives Upsalite® the ability to absorb more than other commonly used ingredients in addition to scattering light and increasing adhesion to skin.
02Is Upsalite® natural?+
Upsalite® has a Natural Origin Index of 0.99 and as such is considered a Derived Mineral according to the definition in ISO 16128-2 2017 (Criteria for ingredients and products). Upsalite® can be made with a Natural Origin Index of 1.00 by request.
03Is Upsalite® a nanomaterial?+
Upsalite® is not considered a nanomaterial according to EU and US regulations. It has a particle size distribution where less than 50% of the particles are sized below 100 nm, determined by a Tier 2 analytical method. Additionally, it is neither insoluble nor bio persistent, which aligns with the EU definition of a nanomaterial.
04Is Upsalite® COSMOS approved?+
Upsalite® (C101) is a raw material verified by ECOCERT GREEN LIFE, compliant with the COSMOS Standard and without animal origin (F363(COS)v09, issued 02/11/2021).
05Can Upsalite® be used in aerosols?+
Yes, Upsalite® is approved and already used in various aerosol products.
06Does Upsalite® work with any type of formula?+
Upsalite® is compatible with anhydrous or water-free formulations. It works well with both dry and liquid anhydrous binders and is compatible with high pigment levels, providing a smooth, natural finish with shine control and sheer coverage. It is not recommended for use in water formulations as its structure attracts water, which can lead to crystallization and degradation of the porous structure over time.
07How do I get a sample of Upsalite®?+
Material samples are provided to brands and formulators by Disruptive Materials. Please submit a request via the contact button — we are ready when you are.

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