Is E572 (Magnesium stearate) Halal?
Doubtful — depends on source
E572 (Magnesium stearate) is a magnesium salt of stearic acid whose fat source can be animal or plant — so it is treated as doubtful (mushbooh) unless the source is known. It is best known as a tablet/capsule lubricant.
What is E572?
Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid, used mainly as an anti-caking and release agent — very commonly as a flow agent in tablets, capsules and supplements, and in some powdered foods.
Made by combining magnesium with stearic acid. The stearic acid can come from vegetable oil or animal fat — the label rarely says which.
Why is it doubtful (mushbooh)?
Magnesium stearate is doubtful because its stearic acid can be plant- or animal-derived, and the source is usually unstated. Plant-derived magnesium stearate is halal; animal-fat versions are only permissible if from a halal animal. Because it is so common in tablets and supplements, verification matters to many people.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Tablets, capsules and supplements
- Powdered foods and mixes
- Confectionery and chewing gum
- Some seasonings
How it appears on labels
Magnesium stearateE572Magnesium salts of fatty acidsINS number: 572
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
In Singapore, verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or contact the manufacturer — this is a very common supplement/tablet ingredient and its source is usually not printed.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E572 (magnesium stearate) halal?
It is doubtful (mushbooh). Its stearic acid can be plant- or animal-derived, and the source is usually unstated — verify with certification or the manufacturer.
Is the magnesium stearate in supplements halal?
It depends on its source, which is usually not stated. Look for halal certification or a vegetable-source claim, or ask the manufacturer.
What names should I look for?
'Magnesium stearate' or 'E572'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of magnesium salts of fatty acids (E 470b/E 572) as food additives — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Fat source can be plant or animal
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.