Overview
Magnesium stearate (CAS 557-04-0 ), also designated E470B in food and feed applications, is a magnesium salt of stearic acid used across pharmaceutical, food, and industrial manufacturing.
Its primary commercial function is lubrication, reducing friction between particles and contact surfaces during processing and compaction. In pharmaceutical tablet and capsule manufacturing, it prevents powder blends from sticking to punches and dies.
This enables consistent high-speed compression runs. Food and nutraceutical producers use it as an anti-caking and flow agent in powdered blends, seasonings, and dietary supplement capsules.
In plastics processing, it acts as a release agent and stabilizer, helping PVC and other polymer compounds release cleanly from molds while improving heat stability during the manufacturing process.
Personal care formulators incorporate it into pressed powders and cosmetic compacts to improve slip, binding, and texture uniformity. Magnesium stearate is supplied as a fine white powder in varying particle size distributions.
These distributions are suited to different processing requirements. Established grades include pharmaceutical ( USP /NF, Ph. Eur. , BP ), food-grade ( FCC ), and technical grade for industrial applications.
Packaging typically ranges from multi-layer bags to bulk containers, with vegetable-source and animal-source variants available to meet specific formulation and labeling requirements for global distribution.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 88 °C |
| Density | 1.028 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | wh. soft oily powd., tasteless, odorless |
| Form | Fine Powder |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| pH | 7 (H2O) (slurry) |
| Log P | 8.216 (est) |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H316 Causes mild skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H320 Causes eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation H413 May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29157030 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 557-04-0
- EC Number
- -
- Mol. Weight
- 591.2
- HS Code
- 29157030
- Category
- Oils, Fats & Waxes