Aluminum Stearate
A metallic salt of stearic acid. It thickens and stabilizes the oil phase and keeps pigments suspended. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Aluminum Stearate is the aluminium salt of stearic acid. In cosmetics it works as a thickener and stabiliser of the oil phase: it gives the formula body and keeps pigments suspended so they do not settle. It shows up mainly in makeup, sticks and coloured products. Its role is purely functional. This is not a skincare active: on its own it does not moisturise, brighten or treat anything. Its value lies in texture and colour stability, and there it performs reliably. Expecting a skin effect from it would be asking for work that is not its own. The stearate form is practically insoluble and stays on the skin surface without penetrating, so it has no systemic relevance. It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerability is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. It is an inert ingredient that most skin types, sensitive included, accept calmly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aluminum Stearate safe during pregnancy?
Aluminum Stearate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Aluminum Stearate for?
Aluminum Stearate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Aluminum Stearate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A metallic salt of stearic acid.
What's the INCI name for Aluminum Stearate?
The INCI name is Aluminum Stearate.
See Aluminum Stearate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Published: · updated: