Magnesium sulfate decomposes into magnesium oxide (MgO) and sulfur trioxide (SO). The heptahydrate can be prepared by neutralizing sulfuric acid with magnesium carbonate or oxide, but it is usually obtained directly from natural sources. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Magnesium sulfate is a common mineral pharmaceutical preparation of magnesium, commonly known as Epsom salt, used both externally and internally. Magnesium sulfate is highly water-soluble and solubility is inhibited with lipids typically used in lotions. Lotions often employ the use of emulsions or suspensions to include both oil
Magnesium hydroxide in 1872 for a suspension of magnesium hydroxide formulated at about 8%w/v. It was sold under the brand name "Phillips' Milk of Magnesia" for medicinal usage. Although the name may at some point have been owned by GlaxoSmithKline, USPTO registrations show "Milk of Magnesia" and "Phillips' Milk of Magnesia" have both been assigned to Bayer since 1995. In the UK, the non-brand (generic) name of "Milk of Magnesia" and "Phillips' Milk of Magnesia" is "Cream of Magnesia" (Magnesium Hydroxide Mixture, BP). It is added directly to human food, and is affirmed as generally recognized as safe by the FDA. It