I. Basic Properties of Food-Grade Magnesium Stearate

　　Food-grade magnesium stearate is a white, non-gritty fine powder with a slight odor and a slippery feel on the skin. It is insoluble in water, ethanol, and ether, but soluble in hot water and hot ethanol. It decomposes into stearic acid and the corresponding magnesium salt when exposed to acids. This characteristic gives magnesium stearate a wide range of applications in the food industry.

　　II. Main Applications of Food-Grade Magnesium Stearate

　　Food additive: Magnesium stearate, as an emulsifier, anti-caking agent, and coating agent, is widely used in the production and processing of foods such as candies, candied fruit, cakes, chewing gum, and some dairy products. It not only improves the taste of food, making it more delicious, but also extends the shelf life to some extent.

　　Other applications: In addition to the food industry, magnesium stearate is also used in the cosmetics industry as a moisturizing and nourishing skin ingredient, improving dry skin and having some anti-aging and antioxidant effects. In the pharmaceutical industry, magnesium stearate is also often used as a lubricant, anti-adhesive, and glidant to improve the production efficiency and stability of drugs.

　　III. Safety of Food-Grade Magnesium Stearate

　　Food-grade magnesium stearate is safe when used in appropriate amounts. However, long-term, large-scale intake may have some impact on human health, such as causing digestive discomfort, mucosal damage, inflammation, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, for people with sensitive constitutions, magnesium stearate may also cause allergic reactions such as skin itching and dyspnea.

　　Therefore, when using food-grade magnesium stearate, relevant standards and regulations must be strictly followed to ensure that the amount added to food does not exceed the safe limit. At the same time, for special groups such as pregnant women, infants and young children, and those with poor kidney function, more attention should be paid to controlling the intake of magnesium stearate.

　　Food-grade magnesium stearate, as an important food additive and multifunctional compound, has broad application prospects in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, its safety issues cannot be ignored. Only by ensuring safe use can the advantages and potential of magnesium stearate be fully utilized, bringing more convenience and benefits to people's lives.