Depends on Source
How we decideMagnesium stearate depends on the fatty acid source used to make it. Vegetable oils and animal fats can supply the stearic acid, and the label name leaves that choice unspecified.
Magnesium stearate is a magnesium salt preparation made mainly with stearic and palmitic acids. It is used to reduce caking or sticking during manufacture.
Ingredient Data
Depends on Source
Magnesium salts of stearic and palmitic acids
Magnesium stearate is made chemically using stearic acid or a stearate precursor. Commercial stearic acid feedstock can come from animal fats or vegetable oils.
Powdered foods, spices, confectionery and manufactured tablets or capsules.
Magnesium stearate with vegetable-derived fatty acid inputs confirmed by the supplier.
Ask whether the fatty acid feedstock comes from vegetable oil or animal fat. Calling the ingredient synthetic describes its manufacture and leaves that feedstock question open.