Comparing E572 - Magnesium stearate vs E553B - Talc

Overview

E572 - Magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate (E572) is a white, waxy powder used in tiny amounts to keep foods and supplements free-flowing and to stop tablets from sticking to equipment. It is the magnesium salt of common food fatty acids and is widely approved by regulators in both the U.S. and the EU for use at good manufacturing practice levels. It does not add taste or color and has no meaningful nutritional effect.

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E553B - Talc

Talc (E553b) is a naturally occurring mineral used in foods as an anti-caking, anti-sticking, and glazing agent. It helps powders flow, keeps surfaces from sticking, and protects delicate coatings in products like confectionery and chewing gum. It is very insoluble and, when eaten, passes through the body largely unchanged.

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Synonyms
E572
Magnesium stearate
E553b
Talc
talcum
hydrated magnesium silicate
Functions
anticaking agentemulsifier
anticaking agentglazing agent
Origins
Plant
Animal
Mineral
Products

Found in 1,447 products

Found in 119 products

Search rank & volume
#8923K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#7832.7K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×2.32
over-aware

×38.53
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. Is magnesium stearate safe?

    Yes—magnesium stearate (E572) is considered safe at permitted levels by major regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EFSA/JECFA no safety concern at typical uses).

  2. Is magnesium stearate bad for your liver?

    There’s no evidence it harms the liver at normal food or supplement levels; stearate is metabolized like other dietary fats and the magnesium contribution is minimal.

  3. What is magnesium stearate used for?

    It’s used as a lubricant/flow agent in tablets and capsules and as an anti-caking or release agent in foods to help powders flow and prevent sticking.

  4. Is magnesium stearate bad for you?

    No—at normal use levels it isn’t associated with harm; very high intakes may cause mild digestive upset in some people.

  5. What is vegetable magnesium stearate?

    It’s the same compound made from plant-derived stearic acid (e.g., palm or other vegetable oils) rather than animal fat, labeled for vegetarian or dietary preference reasons.

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  1. Is talc bad for you?

    Food‑grade talc (E553b) that is asbestos‑free is considered safe at permitted levels in foods by major regulators; the main concerns are from inhaling talc dust or contamination with asbestos, not from normal dietary exposure.

  2. What is talcum powder?

    Talcum powder is finely ground talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) used as a cosmetic/body powder to absorb moisture and reduce friction; it is distinct from food‑grade talc (E553b) used in foods as an anti‑caking and release agent.

  3. Does talc cause cancer?

    Asbestos‑containing talc is carcinogenic, but asbestos‑free talc used in foods has not been shown to cause cancer; perineal use of talc‑based body powders is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B).

  4. What is talc used for?

    In foods, E553b is used mainly as an anti‑caking, release, and glazing agent to keep powders free‑flowing and to coat products like rice, chewing gum, and confectionery.

  5. Is talcum powder safe?

    Asbestos‑free talcum powder is generally considered safe for external use, but avoid inhalation and perineal (genital) application due to potential risks; keep powders away from infants’ faces to prevent breathing problems.

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