Aluminum Tristearate

AKA: Aluminum stearate, 637-12-7, Aluminum octadecanoate, Aluminium tristearate, Aluminum(III) stearate, Alugel 34TN, Metasap XX, Rofob 3, Tribasic aluminum stearate
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be based on a QRA...Aluminum Tristearate...
Solubility Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, petroleum ether.
Formula
C54H105AlO6
Mol. Weight
877.40
CAS #
637-12-7
Form
Wax
Functions
Anticaking
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Opacifying
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic aluminum salt developed as a cosmetic thickener and anti-caking agent. Created in the 20th century to improve the texture and performance of powder-based products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR