E-number  · E570

E570 — Stearic acid (fatty acids)

Fatty acid used as a thickener and emulsifier. Plant or animal source.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E570 is a generic fatty-acid additive — most commonly stearic acid or palmitic acid. The source can be tallow (animal fat) or vegetable oil (palm, coconut, cottonseed). Industrial-grade E570 in the EU is overwhelmingly palm-derived today.

Why it matters

Used in confectionery glazes, chewing gum, candle wax, soap, and cosmetics. In food, it's less prominent than E471 or E472 but still common in coated sweets.

What to do

Default assumption is plant in modern UK food. For cosmetics — especially older formulations or "natural" brands — tallow-derived E570 is still used. Ask the manufacturer when in doubt.

Sources Where the entry is drawn from.
  • Vegan Society additives database
  • Cosmetic industry stearic acid reports