Magnesium stearate has been widely used for many decades in the food industry as an emulsifier, binder and thickener, as well as an anticaking, lubricant, release, and antifoaming agent. It is present in many food supplements, confectionery, chewing gum, herbs and spices, and baking ingredients. Magnesium stearate is also commonly used as an inactive ingredient in the production of pharmaceutical tablets, capsules and powders. The main reason for its good lubricating properties is its hydrophobic nature and an ability to reduce friction between tablets and die wall during the ejection process.
Magnesium stearate can be regarded as being non-toxic, the United States, Germany and Japan allow it to be applied to products being contact with food. However, it doesn’t have wide application to be applied as PVC heat stabilizers. In China and some other countries Pharmacopoeia, there are always records of this specie. The pharmacopeia has also made provisions on the magnesium content, moisture, heavy metals, iron, sulfate and chloride content.