Magnesium Stearate
Pharmaceutical & Industrial Grade Lubricant, Flow Aid, and Release Agent – High-Purity Metal Soap for Tablet Manufacturing, Polymer Processing, and Specialty Formulations.
Magnesium Stearate is a magnesium salt of stearic acid widely used as a lubricant, flow aid, anti-caking agent, and release additive in solid formulations and powder processing systems. It is valued for its hydrophobic surface chemistry, low shear friction, and stable performance across pharmaceutical, polymer, food, cosmetic, and specialty chemical manufacturing.
Natraj Chem supplies consistent-quality Magnesium Stearate sourced from validated manufacturers under strict material qualification protocols to ensure batch uniformity and industrial reliability.
- Hydrophobic Surface Chemistry: Ideal for moisture-sensitive formulations
- Low Friction: Reduces die wall adhesion during tablet compression
- Flow Enhancement: Improves powder handling and prevents agglomeration
- Thermal Stability: Suitable for extrusion and high-temperature processing
Chemical Identity & Specifications
Comprehensive technical profile for material qualification and formulation development
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Magnesium Stearate |
| Synonyms | Octadecanoic acid magnesium salt, Mg distearate |
| CAS Number | 557-04-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₆H₇₀MgO₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 591.27 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Metallic stearate |
| Structure Type | Metal soap salt |
| Origin | Reaction of stearic acid with magnesium oxide/hydroxide |
Technical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White fine powder |
| Odor | Characteristic fatty |
| Bulk Density | 0.15–0.30 g/cm³ |
| True Density | ~1.03 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 88–150°C (decomposition range) |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in hot alcohols/aromatics |
| pH (10% dispersion) | Neutral to slightly alkaline |
| Specific Surface Area | 1–15 m²/g (grade dependent) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 6% |
| Magnesium Content | 4.0–5.0% |
| Particle Size | Customizable micronized or standard |
Key Functional Benefits
Advanced performance characteristics engineered for critical manufacturing applications
Superior Lubrication Performance
Reduces die wall friction during tablet compression and powder compaction, minimizing ejection force and equipment wear for consistent high-speed production.
Enhanced Powder Flowability
Improves powder flow characteristics and prevents agglomeration in high-speed manufacturing processes.
Hydrophobic Barrier Protection
Provides moisture resistance for sensitive formulations, extending shelf life and maintaining stability.
Mold Release
Excellent demolding in polymer processing
Anti-Tack Agent
Prevents unwanted adhesion in coatings
Thermal Stability
Suitable for high-temperature extrusion
Chemical Inertness
Chemically inert with most active ingredients and excipients under standard processing conditions.
Low Reactivity
Minimal reactivity toward oxidizers and mild acids, ensuring formulation stability.
Industrial Applications
Versatile performance across diverse manufacturing sectors
PLASTICS & POLYMERS
Internal/external lubricant, melt flow improver
FOOD PROCESSING
Anti-caking agent, processing aid
COSMETICS & PERSONAL CARE
Pressed powders, slip agent, texture enhancer
RUBBER & ELASTOMERS
Mold release, processing lubricant
PAINTS & COATINGS
Flatting agent
NUTRACEUTICALS
Flow agent
SPECIALTY CHEMICALS
Powder processing, formulation additive
Available Grades & Specifications
Tailored solutions for pharmaceutical, food, industrial, and specialty applications
Micronized
Controlled particle size for enhanced lubrication efficiency
Low Heavy Metal
Stringent controls for sensitive pharmaceutical applications
High Purity
Maximum purity for critical pharmaceutical applications
Need Custom Specifications?
We offer tailored particle size, bulk density, and surface area formulations engineered to your exact requirements.
Why Choose Natraj Chem for Magnesium Stearate
With over four decades of chemical sector expertise, Natraj Chem maintains rigorous supplier qualification systems and technical support infrastructure to deliver consistent, high-performance materials.
Our Core Strengths
- Verified manufacturing partners with ISO certifications
- Complete batch traceability and documentation
- Consistent physicochemical profiles across batches
- Supply continuity for long-term contracts
- Pre-dispatch quality validation
- Technical equivalency assessment before vendor approval
- Regulatory expertise across multiple markets
- Competitive pricing for bulk requirements
Comprehensive Product Portfolio
Beyond Magnesium Stearate, we supply complementary product lines including aluminum derivatives, magnesium compounds, and specialty inorganic chemicals. Consolidating sourcing through Natraj Chem reduces vendor complexity, streamlines procurement, lowers administrative costs, and ensures better pricing coordination across your chemical supply chain.
Packaging, Storage & Handling
Professional packaging solutions and storage protocols for product integrity
Packaging Options
HDPE Bags
25 kg laminated bags
Fiber Drums
20 kg fiber drums
Bulk FIBC
Jumbo bags
Custom Labels
Private labeling
Export Ready
Moisture barriers
Palletized
Shrink-wrapped
Storage Guidelines
Handling Protocols
Technical Support & Documentation
Comprehensive documentation and expert technical assistance for seamless integration
Frequently Asked Questions
It functions primarily as a lubricant, flow agent, anti-caking additive, and release agent across pharmaceutical, polymer, and powder processing industries. It prevents sticking during tablet compression, improves powder flow, and enhances mold release in polymer processing.
No. It is hydrophobic and insoluble in water but disperses in oils and dissolves in hot organic solvents like alcohols and aromatic compounds.
Pharmaceutical grade conforming to pharmacopeial standards such as USP, BP, or Ph.Eur is used for tablet manufacturing to ensure purity, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Yes. Excess concentration can slow dissolution due to hydrophobic film formation on tablet surfaces. Controlled dosage (typically 0.25-1.0%) is essential to maintain optimal dissolution profiles.
It acts as a lubricant and release additive, improving melt flow, reducing equipment friction, preventing sticking to processing equipment, and enhancing surface finish of molded parts.
Food-grade variants approved by regulatory authorities (FDA, EFSA, etc.) are used as anti-caking agents in permitted applications. Always verify regulatory status for specific food contact uses.
Fine micronized grades (with smaller particle size) provide higher surface coverage and better lubrication at lower concentrations compared to standard grades.
Store in sealed containers away from moisture and oxidizing substances at controlled temperatures below 40°C in a dry, ventilated area. Protect from humidity to prevent caking.
It is chemically inert with most APIs, but compatibility testing is recommended for sensitive formulations, particularly those with strong acids or oxidizers.
Purity requirements depend on application: pharmaceutical requires compendial grade (USP/BP/Ph.Eur), food processing needs food-grade certification, while plastics and industrial applications may use technical or industrial grades.
Request Technical Data & Quote
Magnesium Stearate is a critical processing excipient whose performance depends on purity, particle characteristics, and manufacturing consistency. Get fast access to complete technical documentation and competitive pricing.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) for current batches
- Technical Data Sheets (TDS) & Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Regulatory compliance documentation
- Custom grade specifications & quotations
- Sample availability for qualification testing
- Technical consultation on grade selection