Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral used in skincare for its copper content, which is promoted as an antioxidant and detoxifying ingredient, and it also imparts a green tint to formulations. Evidence for significant topical benefit is limited, and it functions partly as a colorant and partly as a claimed active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness or stinging possible, particularly on sensitive skin or with higher concentrations. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Copper-containing compounds can occasionally trigger contact sensitization. |
Temporary skin staining/discoloration | Rare | The green pigment may transiently tint skin in some formulations. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.