murphyZinc Acetate
AKA: 557-34-6, Zinc diacetate, Zinc(II) acetate, Dicarbomethoxyzinc, Acetic acid, Zinc(II) salt, Zinc salt, Zinc acetate anhydrous, Siltex CL 4, Anhydrous Zinc Acetate
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from zinc metal or zinc oxide combined with acetic acid through an acid-base reaction. Produced by dissolving zinc compounds in acetic acid, followed by crystallization and purification.
Zinc Acetate is a zinc salt of acetic acid essential for the synthesis of cholesterol, protein, and fats. Zinc plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is required for the enzyme activities necessary for cell division, cell growth, and wound healing as well as the release of vitamin A from the liver. It plays a role in the acuity of the senses of smell and taste and is required to maintain prostate reproductive health and insulin function. Zinc is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Zinc acetate is administered orally or parenterally as a nutritional supplement.
Solubility Solubility: 40 g/ 100 g water at 25 °C; 67 g/100 g water at 100 °C; 3 g/ 100 g alcohol at 25 °C /Zinc acetate dihydrate/
Formula
C4H6O4Zn
Mol. Weight
183.50
CAS #
557-34-6
Form
Powder
State
Obtained in both anhydrous form and as a dihydrate. Both are white crystalline solids. The primary hazard is the threat posed to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Accelerates skin healing
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions corrosive (CIR 755)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions slight to severe (CIR 755)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 2%
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2016 survey
FDA OTC limit (Skin Protectant): 2%. 21 CFR 347.10
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR