Malachite Extract
Malachite
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
Also written as: Copper Carbonate Hydroxide Extract
What it is
Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, and the cosmetic ingredient is an extract of it that supplies trace copper. Copper is a genuine cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen cross-linking and for the skin's own superoxide dismutase antioxidant system. In practice it is used at very low levels and largely for its story and its green colour; independent clinical evidence for the extract itself is absent.
What it does well
Supplies trace copper, a cofactor for skin repair enzymes
The biochemistry of copper in collagen cross-linking and antioxidant defence is well established, but there is no published clinical evidence that malachite extract in a cosmetic delivers a measurable benefit.
Limited evidence
Worth knowing
Not to be confused with Malachite Green, a banned dye
Malachite Green is an unrelated synthetic dye listed as a prohibited substance in Annex II of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. The mineral extract used in skincare is a different substance entirely and is not restricted.
Matters most toAnyone who has seen 'malachite' flagged online and assumed the ban applies here.
Mineral extracts warrant heavy-metal purity control
Naturally mined minerals can carry trace heavy metals, so responsible manufacturers specify purity. EU law requires that any unavoidable traces be technically unavoidable and safe.
Matters most toPeople who prefer to avoid mined mineral ingredients generally.
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
Malachite Extract is not listed in any restriction or prohibition annex of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. The separately named dye Malachite Green is prohibited, and nano forms of copper are also prohibited, but neither applies to this ingredient.
