Magnesium Stearate

Magnesium Stearate 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 11177
AKA: 557-04-0, Magnesium distearate, Magnesium octadecanoate, Dibasic magnesium stearate, Octadecanoic acid, Magnesium salt, Synpro 90, Petrac MG 20NF, Stearic acid, Magnesium stearate g
Plant-Derived
Colorant
Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid, a fatty acid commonly sourced from vegetable oils like palm or coconut. Produced through the neutralization reaction of stearic acid with magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be based on a QRA...Magnesium Stearate
Solubility IN 100 CC WATER: 0.003 G @ 15 °C; 0.004 G @ 25 °C; 0.008 G @ 50 °C
Formula
C36H70MgO4
Mol. Weight
591.20
CAS #
557-04-0
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Anticaking
Bulking
Colorant
Gives the product its color. Purely aesthetic — makes the formula look good in the jar but does nothing for your skin.
Moisturising
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 245)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 245)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.012–10%
Rinse-off0.33–5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR