Stearyl Citrate
The short version
A stearic citrate ester — niche sequestrant and antioxidant synergist.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Manufactured by esterifying stearyl alcohol with citric acid. A specialty additive with narrow approved uses.
How it's used
Niche use as a sequestrant in margarines and shortenings (binds trace metals that catalyze oxidation), and as a synergist that extends the protective effect of other antioxidants in edible oils. Less common than EDTA in the same role.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe at typical use levels. Hydrolyzed in digestion to stearyl alcohol, citric acid, and ultimately stearic acid — all normal dietary components.
Physical & chemical properties
White waxy solid. Insoluble in cold water; soluble in oils and warm alcohol.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the US and most jurisdictions with narrow approved categories. EU permission is similarly restricted.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.