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Moumoujus

MAGNESIUM STEARATE.

Valuable CAS 557-04-0 / ANTICAKING, BULKING, COLORANT, MOISTURISING

Magnesium Stearate is a versatile fatty acid salt widely utilized in precision skincare to optimize product texture, stability, and application. It primarily functions as an anticaking and flow agent, ensuring consistent formulation performance and an enhanced sensory experience.

Summary

anticaking binding agent bulking cosmetic colorant emulsifier flow agent lubricant moisturising texture enhancer stability enhancer adhesion promoter

Science

Mechanism of Action

This compound works by creating a hydrophobic coating around individual particles within a blend, effectively preventing aggregation and clumping. It acts as a lubricant and binding agent, which improves product spreadability and adhesion to the skin. Furthermore, Magnesium Stearate stabilizes emulsions by increasing the thickness of their lipid (oil) phase, contributing to overall product integrity and a smooth, slippery feel.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range ≤5.5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies confirm that pharmaceutical vehicles containing up to 5.5% Magnesium Stearate are neither teratogenic nor mutagenic. Skin irritation tests show only minimal to slight irritation at very high concentrations.
  2. 02 At standard usage levels in cosmetic formulations, Magnesium Stearate does not significantly alter the skin's barrier function nor does it promote comedogenesis.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a highly effective anticaking and flow agent, Magnesium Stearate is intentionally incorporated into formulations to prevent ingredient clumping and improve blend homogeneity. Its presence typically mitigates, rather than causes, issues associated with powdery textures, facilitating smooth product flow and distribution.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Magnesium Stearate is insoluble in water and alcohol. It exhibits solubility in hot aliphatic hydrocarbons, hot arenes, and hot grease, with slight solubility in hot ethanol and benzene. It is prone to decomposition into stearic acid and corresponding magnesium salts under acidic conditions.

Conflicts

  • Esters (e.g., aspirin, enalapril), as it can induce hydrolysis of the ester linkage.
  • Primary amines and reducing sugars, due to its potential to facilitate the Maillard reaction.
  • Hydrochloride salts, as it may cause disproportionation via ion exchange, leading to the formation of deliquescent magnesium chloride.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5.5%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Leading regulatory bodies, including the CIR Expert Panel, FDA, and SCCS, have consistently deemed Magnesium Stearate safe for topical cosmetic use. At concentrations up to 5.5%, it has been established as non-toxic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, non-teratogenic, and non-mutagenic when properly refined and formulated.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Magnesium Stearate is a valuable ingredient, optimizing cosmetic formulation aesthetics and performance with its multifunctional role as a texture enhancer, stabilizer, and flow agent, proven safe and compatible across all skin types.

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