Magnesium stearate

In short: Magnesium stearate is a common, plant-based excipient — a lubricant that improves the flow of powders and stops them sticking to machines during production. In Masticlife it appears in the Mastic Comfort sachets, and the version we use is of vegetable origin, suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Structure and properties

Magnesium stearate is a hydrophobic pharmaceutical excipient that, in the narrower sense, consists of a magnesium ion and two stearates. It is a compound of magnesium and a mixture of solid organic acids — mainly varying proportions of magnesium stearate and magnesium palmitate, of plant or animal origin. It is available as a pure substance in pharmacies and is contained as an excipient in numerous medicines, especially tablets.

It appears as a white, very fine, light powder that is greasy to the touch and practically insoluble in water.

Effects and uses

Magnesium stearate is very commonly used as a lubricant. It improves lubricity by reducing friction and adhesion, preventing the powder from sticking to the machines during production — for example, to the punch during tableting. It is used as a pharmaceutical excipient in the production of tablets, capsules and powders, among other applications.

Magnesium stearate in Mastic Comfort

The magnesium stearate in Mastic Comfort (sachets) is of vegetable origin. Is magnesium stearate vegan? Ours is — it is derived from natural plant sources, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Because mastic gum is a purely natural plant substance, we choose ingredients that let us produce premium food supplements with Chios mastic. The finest-quality Chios mastic is crushed into a fine powder which, combined with inulin and stearate, makes up the contents of Mastic Comfort sachets. These sachets are designed for comfortable use — for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.

FAQ: magnesium stearate