murphyAluminum 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
OriginDerived from stearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils. Synthesized through esterification of stearic acid with aluminum salts to form the tristearate compound.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 777)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2016 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR