What is magnesium stearate used for?
Magnesium stearate is an alkaline earth metal salt of the straight chain, 18-carbon saturated fatty acid known as stearic acid. It is not very different chemically from soap, and is, in fact, a major component of soap scum. It is an important ingredient in many consumer products.FeaturesMagnesium stearate is a waxy white substance that is acknowledged by the FDA as generally safe for human consumption.Pharmaceutical IndustryMagnesium stearate has lubricating and binding qualities, making it useful as an excipient (an inactive substance used as a carrier) in the pressing and forming of powders into tablets which eject cleanly from their molds. Magnesium stearate is also used as a bulking agent in cosmetics.Food IndustryMagnesium stearate is used as a binder for sugar in hard candy, such as breath mints. It is also used as a coating on foods to retard the absorption of moisture and to maintain texture.Vegetable SourcesHistorically, most stearic acid was derived from beef tallow.
