Chemical compound - magnesium salt and stearic acid form white (or colorless) crystals that do not dissolve in water. Magnesium stearate is a synthetic emulsifier that acts as a food thickener.
Peculiarities
The substance is used in the food industry to impart viscosity and volume to products, homogeneous mixing of fat and other liquids (broths, oils or alcohol). Magnesium stearate is considered a harmful additive and is not considered an approved compound. But is the supplement actually harmful?
The E-572 additive can be found in many cosmetics - lipsticks, shampoos, gels, hair masks. A large amount of the substance is found in eye shadow or powder. Magnesium stearate is added to eyeshadow for rich hues and to mascara to prevent clumping. Magnesium stearate is part of most medicines - thanks to the magnesium salt and stearic acid, the tablet takes on the desired shape, volume and uniform consistency. Thanks to this substance, drug manufacturers can process pills in much larger quantities. Contrary to claims that stearic acid reduces the effectiveness of drugs, the opposite is true. Few people know, but the substance is contained in animal fats, stearate is added to suppositories (stearic acid melts at 69 degrees).
Magnesium stearate: harm to humans
And yet, some negative health effects are present, as with many other substances or emulsions. Magnesium stearate negatively affects the thyroid gland, provoking the development of endocrine diseases. Powder (E470b, powdered form) is toxic, as it may contain pesticides (pesticides) that slowly poison the body. The helium thickener in scrubs or other creams (including intimate products) can cause an allergic reaction on the skin or cell necrosis (destruction of body cells). The opinion that the hydrogenated oils that make up magnesium stearate destroy cells can be disputed - stearic acid is not included in the combination of hydrogenated oils, which means that it is a separate acid that does not in any way depend on the chemical reaction (hydrogenation) process. You can get it from oil or palm fruits. In addition, hydrogenation converts liquid unsaturated fats into refractory, saturated fats (this is how margarine is produced). As a result, we get safe fatty acids. Considering that magnesium stearate contains magnesium and stearic acid salt, it can be concluded that it is harmless if the daily dose is not exceeded. The supplement helps to quickly absorb calcium, thereby strengthening bones, calming nerves, and normalizing the digestive tract. The amount of magnesium stearate in various products (be it food or cosmetics) should not exceed 2500 mcg per day.
Is there a way out?
In order not to expose yourself to unnecessary risk, you can refuse to use products containing the E-572 additive. This can be tricky to do as most foods contain magnesium stearate. But - it all depends on the dose. After numerous tests and scientific studies, magnesium stearate has been documented as conditionally safe. The additive is harmless if not overused.
Magnesium stearate and magnesium have different meanings. Magnesium is an important element that is involved in metabolic processes. The allowable amount of magnesium is 350-400 mg per day. With its lack, a person feels a slight malaise and fatigue. The substance must be present in the human body in acceptable amounts (about 30 mg of magnesium in the whole body and at least 70% of magnesium in the skeletal system and muscles).
It is worth emphasizing that the harm of the food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate does not allow the food additive to participate and use in the production processes of the food industry. Food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate belongs to the group of additives that are used as emulsifiers. These compounds, often of synthetic and rarely natural origin, act as shapers and thickeners. Often, in the production of a food group of goods according to a recipe, it is necessary to mix non-miscible natural compounds to a homogeneous consistency, for example, fats and water.
Harm of food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate
Emulsifiers help to combine this kind of substances and get a homogeneous mass in the process of making food. The properties of the food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate, as well as the possible harmful effect that compounds can exert on the human body, gives every reason to exclude the additive from the list of permitted and used both in the domestic and foreign food industries. Unfortunately, despite the obvious harm, the food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate is used in the cosmetic industry.
It is noteworthy that both researchers and doctors have repeatedly warned that the characteristic properties of the food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate can cause significant damage to the human body. By its structure, the food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate is nothing more than a crushed white powder, soapy to the touch. By its origin and properties, food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate belongs to the group of magnesium salts, which are obtained as a result of the interaction of stearic acid and magnesium or calcium.
Among the distinctive features of the food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate are the following. Food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate practically does not mix with water-containing solutions, but it dissolves perfectly in oils or alcohols. The food emulsifier E572 is melted Magnesium (calcium) stearate at a temperature of 88C. The most active food emulsifier E572 Magnesium (calcium) stearate is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products. The chemically active compound magnesium stearate (calcium), which is part of the emulsifier E572, can lead to the onset and development of severe thyroid diseases.
Calcium stearate (food supplement E470, calcium stearic acid)- chemical compound, calcium salt and stearic acid
Physicochemical characteristics.
Formula Ca (C 17 H 35 COO) 2, colorless (white) substance. Density is 1035 kg / m 3. Does not dissolve in water. It dissolves in benzene, toluene, ethanol and other organic solvents. Non-toxic. Melting temperature is within 130 ÷ 150 ° С. Flash point 196 ° C. Ignition temperature 395 ° C. Shows synergy with lead stabilizers. It is a thermal stabilizer for polyvinyl chloride. Approved for stabilizing PVC packaging films.
Application.
Calcium stearate is used as a plasticizer, stabilizer, and surfactant. This salt is used as an effective stabilizer in the production of PVC polystyrene, polyolefins, and polyamide. They are used in the production of building and finishing materials based on cement mixtures and limestone, cable and pipe thermoplastics. It is an anti-agglomeration additive for synthetic rubbers. It is used as an additional drier in the production of paints and varnishes. Calcium stearate is used as a stabilizer for plastics. It is also used as a plasticizer in the plastics industry as well as in cosmetics. Acts as a catalyst in chemical synthesis. It is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry for tabletting medicinal substances and vitamins, as a gelling agent. Due to the fact that calcium stearate is a non-toxic substance, it is used in the manufacture of products intended for contact with food. In the textile and construction industries, it is widely used as an effective hydrophobic additive. Also, the scope of application of calcium stearic acid includes the following areas: the perfume industry, as an emulsifier for cosmetic preparations, the production of foundry molding mixtures - as a lubricant (lubricant), the production of pencils - as a plasticizer, in the food industry, calcium stearate is most often used for the manufacture of confectionery products, dietary supplements, etc. Calcium stearate is the main component in some types of defoamers.
Receiving.
Calcium stearate is obtained by heating a mixture of stearic acid, fatty acids and calcium oxide: 2C 17 H 35 COOH + CaO> (C 17 H 35 COO) 2 Ca + H 2 O
Description of food additive
Magnesium stearate, calcium stearate ( E-572) - addition of the group of emulsifiers. It is mainly used in cosmetics. According to some reports (unconfirmed can cause thyroid disease). By physical properties E-572- finely ground white powder, slightly soapy to the touch. Dissolves in warm alcohol, mixes in oils, does not dissolve in water. It is used in decorative cosmetics, it is included in medicines.
Properties of E-572
- filler (filler), included in the basis for decorative cosmetics
- binder (binding agent) - used to prepare compact powders / eyeshadows; replaces starch and talc
- improves the texture and consistency of mineral cosmetics
- improves pigment suspension
- prevents caking and lump formation in mineral cosmetics
- not transparent; has hiding power
- partially replaces the matte white pigment
- improves adhesion (sticking to the skin)
- non-gel thickener (increases viscosity)
- lubricant (improves glide)
Stearate use
- loose and pressed decorative cosmetics (powder, eye shadow, lipstick, mascara)
- foundation creams
- creams, lotions, balms, cream shampoos
Magnesium salt of stearic acid has several different names in industrial production. It is called magnesium stearate and E572, as well as calcium stearate - according to the second active component. This white substance is practically insoluble in water, but easily interacts with alcohol or oil. PF industrial production magnesium stearate is used as a stabilizer and defoamer.
Features and characteristics of magnesium stearate
Today the food supplement E572, which can only be conditionally attributed to this category of substances, is indispensable in pharmacology and cosmetology. The main task of magnesium stearate is to create a homogeneous mass from a scattered substance, without lumps and foreign inclusions. To the touch, this powder is slippery and, as it were, soapy, which is explained by its high degree of adhesion. Therefore, magnesium stearate is often used as a substitute for talc or starch. Magnesium stearate is considered a relatively safe product, it is obtained by breaking down oils of vegetable or animal origin. but E572 is strictly prohibited in food production, since it is a very unstable substance. This is especially evident when interacting with various types of oxidants. Therefore, entering the stomach, E572 turns into magnesium sulfate, which in large quantities can be harmful to health. In addition, magnesium stearate is highly flammable and flammable near open flames.
Where is E572 used?
The main field of application of magnesium stearate is cosmetology and pharmacology. This substance is part of drugs that are designed to strengthen the nervous and cardiovascular system. Have a beneficial effect on bones and muscles, teeth and nail plates. In addition, magnesium stearate is indispensable for the processes of digestion and restoration of the functions of the endocrine system, it helps to normalize the functioning of internal organs and is responsible for the absorption of calcium by the body.
This additive is simply irreplaceable in modern cosmetology, as it is a part of powder and foundation, eye shadow and lipstick, various types of deodorants, shampoos and gels. This is not surprising, since E572 regulates the formation of foam, is responsible for the uniformity of the final product, and also acts as a natural thickener. In addition, these days, manufacturers are very willing to use magnesium stearate as a fipper - a relatively safe filler, which allows several times to increase the volume of production with a minimum of financial costs.
Why is magnesium stearate harmful?
Scientific research shows that the daily intake of this substance for an adult should not exceed 2500 micrograms per kg of body weight. Otherwise, the substance can cause acute food poisoning with subsequent damage to the digestive system. It is also strictly forbidden to combine the intake of drugs that include E572, with alcohol and any types of energy drinks.
It is believed that magnesium stearate in cosmetics is completely harmless, but this opinion is erroneous. If manufacturers abuse this filler for additional profit, then even an ordinary compact powder can cause severe dermatitis. For this reason self-respecting companies never add E572 to children's cosmetics... In general, when controlling the quality of all kinds of cosmetics, well-known brands pay attention to the percentage of E572 in their products, although they do not advertise such information. Therefore, cheap eyeshadows and lipsticks from Asia of questionable quality, in which magnesium stearate is often used, can cause significant harm to health and appearance.
