Magnesium Stearate

(in 12,837 products)

1. Anti-caking Agent - Prevents lumps from forming in food due to excess water. They usually function as a water repellent or by absorbing excess moisture.

2. Colorant - Pigments or dyes that are added in order to change or enhance the color.

3. Emulsifier - Allows water and oils to remain mixed together to form an emulsion.

4. Gelling Agent / Thickener - Increases the viscosity by thickening the liquid to give it more texture

5. Lubricant - Prevents or reduces friction

Magnesium Stearate is a common ingredient found in many types of medications, supplements, and cosmetics. It is a white, odorless powder that is made by combining magnesium and stearic acid, which is a natural fatty acid found in many plants and animals.

In medications and supplements, Magnesium Stearate is used as a lubricant to help prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment and to improve the flow of the product during processing. In cosmetics, it is used as a thickener and to improve the texture of products.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11177

1. South Korea - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety - Prohibited/Restricted Chemicals

- Ref: 411

2. EU CosIng Annex IV, COLORANTS ALLOWED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]

- Ref: IV/150

3. US FDA Food Additives Status List [2018]

- Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS)

- §172.863

- §173.340

- §175.300

- §179.45

- §181.29

- §184.1440

4. E-numbers which are not found in EU FOOD

- E572

5. Japan’s List of Designated Food Additives under Article 10 of the Food Sanitation Act

- Magnesium Stearate

6. Canada List of Permitted Food Additives

- List 8 - Magnesium Stearate

7. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Annex IV - Part 1, Allowed Colorants

- Aluminium, zinc, magnesium and calcium stearates

8. US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Food Substances (21 CFR 184) [2017]

- § 184.1440 - Magnesium stearate