Zinc Stearate

Zinc Stearate 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 11178
AKA: 557-05-1, Zinc octadecanoate, Zinc distearate, Zn Stearate, Octadecanoic acid, Zinc salt, Metallac, Hydense, Hytech, Mathe
Plant-Derived
Colorant
Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid and zinc oxide, both produced through industrial chemical processes. Synthesized by reacting zinc oxide with stearic acid through esterification under controlled heating conditions.
Zinc stearate is a chemical compound of zinc. It is used mainly as a releasing agent and lubricant in the rubber and plastics industry. Zinc is a metallic element with the atomic number 30. It is found in nature most often as the mineral sphalerite. Though excess zinc in harmful, in smaller amounts it is an essential element for life, as it is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and is found in just as many transcription factors. (L48, L49, L78)
Solubility Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
C36H70O4Zn
Mol. Weight
632.30
CAS #
557-05-1
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Anticaking
Colorant
Gives the product its color. Purely aesthetic — makes the formula look good in the jar but does nothing for your skin.
Slip Modifier
Viscosity Controlling
Prevents Clumping
Adds Color
Improves Glide
Controls Viscosity
Fights Bacteria
Anti-Aging Benefits
Reduces Inflammation
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
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
4 studies / 4 not irritating / plus 1 case report (CIR 245 and 755)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 245)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed / reactions minimal (CIR 755)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.2–32%
Rinse-off0.28–3.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR