CheckVegan
Open Vegan Ingredient Database

Is Magnesium Stearate vegan?

Magnesium Stearate

Vegan Unconfirmed
Vegetarian Unconfirmed

Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid, produced by reacting magnesium with stearic acid. It is widely used as a lubricant and anti-caking agent in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; the stearic acid component may be of animal or plant origin.

Why unconfirmed?

Magnesium Stearate can be either derived from animal, or non-animal sources. The ingredient name itself is identical either way, so the label alone can’t tell you which. Only a supplier declaration can.

Also known as Magnesium distearate, Octadecanoic acid magnesium salt, Stearic acid magnesium salt
E number E572
INS number 572
CAS number 557-04-0
EC number 209-150-3
Last verified 16 April 2026

An ingredient is considered vegan if it contains no animal-derived components at any point in its production.

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Classifications are made to the best of our knowledge based on available scientific and regulatory sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every entry, errors in the sources we draw from can always occur. This tool also cannot account for cross-contamination, which depends entirely on individual suppliers and producers. If you believe a classification is incorrect, you can report an issue.

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