# Magnesium Oleate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/magnesium-oleate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 1555-53-9
**Category:** emulsifier
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Magnesium oleate is a salt compound derived from oleic acid and magnesium, functioning primarily as an anti-caking agent and emulsifier in food products. It helps prevent clumping in powdered foods and improves texture and stability in various formulations.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Magnesium Oleate?

Magnesium oleate (CAS Number: 1555-53-9) is an organic salt formed from the reaction of magnesium with oleic acid, a naturally occurring monounsaturated fatty acid. The compound appears as a white to off-white powder or granular solid. Chemically, it belongs to the class of metallic soaps or stearates, which are widely used in food manufacturing for their functional properties.

## Common Uses

Magnesium oleate serves multiple functions in the food industry:

**Anti-caking Agent**: Its primary application is preventing moisture absorption and clumping in dry, powdered products such as table salt, powdered spices, flour, and dried milk products. This maintains free-flowing properties during storage and use.

**Emulsifier**: The compound helps blend oil and water-based ingredients, improving product stability and texture in processed foods including baked goods, confectionery, and dairy products.

**Release Agent/Lubricant**: It facilitates food release from processing equipment and molds, reducing product damage and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Magnesium oleate is particularly valued in applications where mineral-based anti-caking agents like silicon dioxide may be undesirable or where a more lipophilic (fat-loving) additive provides better performance.

## Safety Assessment

The toxicological profile of magnesium oleate is favorable based on available scientific evidence:

**Adverse Event Data**: The FDA has received zero reported adverse events associated with magnesium oleate consumption, indicating no documented safety incidents in the U.S. food supply.

**Recall History**: No FDA recalls involving magnesium oleate have been issued, suggesting a strong safety record in commercial food production.

**Mechanism of Safety**: Magnesium oleate is composed of two components with established safety histories. Magnesium is an essential mineral required for human health, while oleic acid is a common dietary fatty acid found naturally in foods like olive oil and meat. The salt form is generally recognized as having low bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract.

**Absorption Considerations**: Like other metallic soaps, magnesium oleate is poorly absorbed when ingested, with most passing through the digestive system largely unchanged. This limited absorption contributes to its favorable safety profile.

## Regulatory Status

Magnesium oleate holds a complex regulatory position globally:

**United States**: The FDA has not granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status to magnesium oleate, meaning it is not approved as a direct food additive under 21 CFR Part 182 or 184. However, it may be permitted in specific food categories or under particular conditions not yet formally documented in the CFR.

**European Union**: Magnesium oleate is listed as a food additive under the EU regulations with assigned E-number E470c, approved as an anti-caking agent and emulsifier for various food categories with specified maximum levels.

**International Use**: The compound is permitted in several other countries' food supplies, though approval status varies by jurisdiction and specific food application.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on magnesium oleate specifically is limited, though related research informs its safety assessment:

Studies on metallic soaps generally demonstrate low acute toxicity and minimal systemic absorption. Research on oleate compounds shows they are rapidly metabolized as fatty acids when absorbed. Animal toxicity studies on similar magnesium salts have shown no significant adverse effects at relevant food additive levels.

The absence of adverse events in decades of food industry use, combined with the low bioavailability and essential nature of magnesium, supports the current safety assessment. However, comprehensive modern toxicology studies specific to magnesium oleate would provide additional confidence in its safety profile.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Magnesium Oleate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/magnesium-oleate. Accessed 2026-05-19.