Magnesium Stearate

Magnesium Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient used as an anticaking, bulking agent. It appears in about 1% of cosmetic products in our 90,000+ product dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 420 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameMAGNESIUM STEARATE
FunctionANTICAKING, BULKING, COLORANT, MOISTURISING
CAS number557-04-0
EC number209-150-3
Prevalence868 products (0.94% of dataset)
Most used inMakeup
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies420 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches22,200

Used in

Eyeshadows 25.2%Setting Spray & Powders 15.1%Blushes 12.7%Foundations 8.3%Highlighters 6.7%Bronzers 5.4%

Frequently asked

What does Magnesium Stearate do in skincare?
Magnesium Stearate functions as an anticaking, bulking agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Magnesium Stearate allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Magnesium Stearate?
It is most commonly found in Makeup products, especially eyeshadows (25.2% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Magnesium Stearate

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.