Magnesium Stearate Supplier South Africa

Wat is magnesiumstearaat?

Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid (C18 fatty acid), a white fine powder with a characteristic greasy or soapy feel. It is practically insoluble in water and most common solvents. Its hydrophobic character and fine particle size make it an effective lubricant that coats surfaces and reduces inter-particle friction — the property exploited in both tablet manufacturing (where it reduces die-wall friction during compression) and in cosmetic powder formulations (where it acts as a flow aid and slip agent, improving powder cohesion and skin feel).

Cosmetic Powder Applications

In pressed powder cosmetics (face powder, blush, eyeshadow, pressed setting powder), magnesium stearate at 1–5% improves the adhesion of the pressed cake to the pan, contributes to the smooth, slip-on-skin feel of pressed powder application, and helps distribute pigments evenly through the powder mix. In loose powder formulations (setting powder, loose blush, highlighter), it acts as a flow aid that prevents caking and bridging, ensuring the powder flows freely from the container and applies evenly. In cosmetic powder formulations, magnesium stearate is valued for the smooth, velvety skin feel it imparts on application.

Pharmaceutical Tablet Lubrication

In pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing, magnesium stearate is the most widely used tablet lubricant — used at 0.25–1.0% to reduce friction between tablet granules and the die wall during compression, preventing tablet sticking and capping. Its lubrication mechanism is primarily a thin film of magnesium stearate that transfers from granule surfaces to die surfaces during mixing and compression. The hydrophobic character of magnesium stearate can affect tablet disintegration time if over-mixed, so mixing time is carefully controlled. It is also used as a flow aid and glidant in capsule filling. Terracore Chemicals supplies magnesium stearate in cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades.