The use of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2 ) was proposed as a filler to replace part of the calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) in cigarette paper and reduce the toxicity of the smoke from cigarettes. Physical property changes and smoke reducing ability of this possible substitution were effectively studied. The results showed that adding 10% Mg(OH) 2 could meet the requirements of the physical property of the cigarette paper. Moreover, with the addition of Mg(OH) 2 as a filler in the cigarette paper, the pyrolysis temperature of the cigarette paper decreased, while the porosity and specific surface area increased. As a result, the main-stream smoke had a lower smoke total particle matter (STMP), tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide content, and the side-stream smoke also had a lower STMP.