Stearic Acid: Animal or Plant? It Depends

Stearic acid can be rendered from animal fat, such as tallow, or split from plant oils like palm, coconut or cottonseed, and the two are chemically identical, so the label rarely reveals which. Its magnesium salt, magnesium stearate — the most common tablet and capsule lubricant — carries the same ambiguity. Vegan status therefore depends on the source, confirmed by a supplier declaration.