Calcium stearate is a hydrophobic fatty acid salt widely used as a multifunctional excipient in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food applications. As the calcium salt of stearic acid, it provides an effective combination of lubrication, anti-caking and release properties, especially in compressed solids and powder systems.
Calcium Stearate – Lubricant & Anti-Caking Excipient from TCS INDUSTRIES LIMITED is designed for use in tablets, capsules, premixes and industrial powders where reliable flowability and smooth ejection from tooling are essential. In direct compression and granulation processes, a small percentage of calcium stearate coats particles, reducing friction against punches and dies and helping prevent sticking, picking and capping during compression. This improves line efficiency and extends tooling life.
As an anti-caking agent, calcium stearate helps maintain free-flowing characteristics in hygroscopic or finely milled powders. Its water-repellent surface limits moisture bridging between particles, reducing the formation of lumps and ensuring consistent dosing. This is especially important in high-speed filling operations for tablets, capsules or sachets, where poor flow can cause weight variation and process interruptions.
In solid dosage development, formulators often use calcium stearate alongside insoluble mineral fillers to build robust tablet structures. TCS GROUP offers an integrated mineral excipient portfolio, including:
- Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate – DCPD Filler & Mineral Source – a widely used filler providing calcium and phosphate while supporting good compressibility.
- Anhydrous Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate – Direct Compression Filler & Calcium Source – an anhydrous grade preferred for moisture-sensitive actives and high-speed direct compression.
Together with these calcium phosphates, calcium stearate supports balanced mechanical properties: the mineral base offers hardness and density, while the stearate ensures smooth compaction and demoulding. For formulations where rapid disintegration is needed, formulators can complement this system with modern superdisintegrants and explore the broader excipients list on the Pharmaceutical Excipients overview page.
Handling and use levels must be carefully controlled: excessive calcium stearate can over-lubricate the blend, reducing tablet hardness and slowing dissolution. TCS INDUSTRIES LIMITED provides guidance on typical concentration ranges and mixing times to achieve optimal performance without compromising bioavailability.
By sourcing calcium stearate from TCS GROUP, manufacturers gain a reliable, pharmaceutically focused excipient that improves process robustness, powder flow and long-term stability, while integrating seamlessly with a complete calcium phosphate and excipient platform.