Key Benefits & Why Formulators Choose NBE MAGLUBE™ — Magnesium Stearate
Optimal Lubrication Performance:
MAGLUBE™ coats powder particles efficiently at low concentration levels, minimising inter-particle and particle-to-metal friction during compression and capsule filling.
Proper Hopper Flow:
Improves powder flow from the hopper to the die cavity, ensuring uniform die fill and consistent tablet weight.
Minimal Ejection Force Required:
Significantly reduces the force needed to eject tablets from the die, preventing die wear, punch damage, and tablet sticking.
Extended Tooling Life:
The protective film on punches and dies dramatically extends equipment life — reducing maintenance downtime and replacement costs.
Improved Production Efficiency:
Smoother operation at high tablet press speeds reduces rejects, downtime, and tablet defects.
Vegetable-Source Origin:
Derived exclusively from vegetable-origin stearic acid — suitable for vegetarian, kosher, and halal formulations.
Anti-Caking in Food Applications:
Functions as an effective anti-caking agent in powdered food, spice blends, and nutraceutical powders.
Versatile Formulation Use:
Effective as a lubricant in tablets, capsules, and as a release agent and anti-caking agent in food and cosmetic formulations.
| Parameters | USP – NF |
|---|---|
| Description | A White or almost White, very fine, light powder, greasy to touch. |
| Identification A, B | Complies |
| Acidity or Alkalinity % | NMT 0.05 mL |
| Chlorides | NMT 0.1% |
| Sulphate | NMT 0.5% |
| Cadmium | NMT 3 ppm |
| Lead | NMT 10 ppm |
| Nickel | NMT 5 ppm |
| Loss on drying, % | NMT 6 |
| Assay, % | 4.0 – 5.0 |
| Microbiology Limits | |
| Total Aerobic Microbial Count, cfu/g | NMT 1000 |
| Total Yeast And Mold Count, cfu/g | NMT 100 |
| Escherichia Coli | Absent in 1g Sample |
| Salmonella Species | Absent in a 10g Sample |
| Type | Size |
|---|---|
| HDPE Bags | 25 Kg |
| HDPE Bags | 20 Kg |
| Paper Bags | 25 Kg |
| Paper Bags | 20 Kg |
| FIBC | 400 Kg |
| Container | Palletized | Non-Palletized |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Ft. (Approx Wt.) | 10,000 Kg | 12,000 Kg |
| 40 Ft. (Approx Wt.) | 20,000 Kg | 24,000 Kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Magnesium Stearate used for in tablets?
Magnesium Stearate is used primarily as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing. It forms a thin hydrophobic film on powder particles, reducing friction between the powder blend and the metal surfaces of punches and dies during compression. This reduces ejection force, prevents tablet sticking to punches, and extends tooling life. It is used at concentrations of 0.25–2% w/w in most formulations.
What is the recommended concentration of Magnesium Stearate in tablet formulations?
Magnesium Stearate is typically used at 0.25% to 1.0% w/w for tablet formulations and 0.25% to 2.0% for capsule formulations. The minimum effective concentration should always be used, as over-lubrication can reduce tablet hardness and slow drug dissolution due to excessive hydrophobic film formation. Blend time and mixer speed should be optimised for each formulation.
Why does MAGLUBE™ Magnesium Stearate use vegetable-source fatty acids?
MAGLUBE™ is manufactured exclusively from vegetable-origin stearic acid, as opposed to animal-derived sources. This makes it suitable for formulations requiring vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or halal compliance — important for global market access and clean-label nutraceutical applications.
Does Magnesium Stearate affect tablet dissolution?
At recommended use levels (0.25–1.0% w/w) with appropriate blending, MAGLUBE™ Magnesium Stearate delivers effective lubrication without significantly impacting tablet dissolution. Over-lubrication — caused by excessive concentration or prolonged blending — can form a thick hydrophobic film that slows dissolution. Optimising blending conditions is critical to balancing lubrication performance and dissolution profile.
