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Aluminum Distearate

What Aluminum Distearate is & what it does

Aluminum Distearate is the aluminum salt of stearic acid, a metallic soap used as a formulation aid. In skincare and sunscreen products it functions mainly as a thickener, gelling agent, and viscosity controller, and it can help suspend pigments and mineral UV filters evenly. A notable property is its ability to gel oils and waxes, which makes it useful in anhydrous and oil-based formulas.

What does Aluminum Distearate do in skincare?

Aluminum Distearate is used as a thickener, gelling agent, and viscosity controller. In sunscreens and other products it can help suspend pigments and mineral UV filters so they stay evenly dispersed. It is a formulation aid rather than an active skincare ingredient.

Is Aluminum Distearate safe?

Aluminum Distearate is a long-used cosmetic formulation ingredient and is generally considered safe at the levels used in products. It functions as a texture and suspension aid and is not intended to be absorbed for an active effect. People with specific concerns should consult a qualified professional.

Does Aluminum Distearate clog pores?

There is no strong evidence that Aluminum Distearate is notably pore-clogging, and it is typically used at low levels as a structuring agent. How a product feels on the skin depends on the whole formula. If you are prone to breakouts, patch testing the finished product is a good idea.

Sunscreens with Aluminum Distearate

We rate 10 sunscreens that contain it:

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