Ingredient Directory
Low Concern Evaluator Flag

Zinc Stearate

Zinc octadecanoate

Safety Notes

Zinc salt of stearic acid; powdery skin feel; binder in pressed powders; slip agent; very low sensitization risk; zinc may have antimicrobial benefit; animal-derived stearic acid possibility, verify source for vegan claim

Function & Common Use

Function

Slip Agent / Binder / Powdery Feel

Category

Viscosity Agent

Common In

Pressed powders eye shadows makeup

Origin

Synthetic (zinc + stearic acid)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zinc Stearate safe to use in skincare?

Zinc Stearate has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Zinc salt of stearic acid; powdery skin feel; binder in pressed powders; slip agent; very low sensitization risk; zinc may have antimicrobial benefit; animal-derived stearic acid possibility, verify source for vegan claim

Is Zinc Stearate allowed in India?

Zinc Stearate is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Zinc Stearate used for in cosmetics?

Zinc Stearate functions as: Slip Agent / Binder / Powdery Feel. It is commonly found in: Pressed powders eye shadows makeup.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS557-05-1
EC209-151-9

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