Zinc Stearate
A metallic salt of stearic acid. It thickens and gives powder slip and skin adhesion. 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
Zinc Stearate is the zinc salt of stearic acid. It's used mainly in powder makeup, pressed powders and some creams, where it thickens the formula and adds slip and adhesion of the product to the skin. On efficacy: a functional texture ingredient, not a skincare active. It improves feel, coverage and the powder's ability to lay down evenly. It treats no skin condition; its value lies in formulation and use experience. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is fine for topical products. Tolerance is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. Comedogenicity is very low (rating 1), so it rarely causes problems, though very oily, acne-prone skin may want to watch it in heavily occlusive products. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zinc Stearate safe during pregnancy?
Zinc Stearate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Zinc Stearate for?
Zinc Stearate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Zinc Stearate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A metallic salt of stearic acid.
Is Zinc Stearate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Zinc Stearate?
The INCI name is Zinc Stearate.
See Zinc Stearate in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
4-Terpineol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera, Acacia Senegal Gum, Acetic Acid, CI 61565 (Green 6), Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Pentaerythrityl Tetracaprylate/Tetracaprate, Sodium Chloride
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