Experts say stearic acid is the only long-chain saturated fat that does not raise cholesterol levels. In the form of a powder, the salt forms the coating that you see on medications and vitamins.

Magnesium stearate, a waxy, lamellar (platy) solid, is a widely used excipient in pharmaceutical technology. Primarily, magnesium stearate is added to a formulation in order to modify compaction ...