Potassium Stearate
What Potassium Stearate is & what it does
Potassium Stearate is the potassium salt of stearic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid often derived from vegetable or animal fats. In cosmetic formulas it acts mainly as a surfactant and emulsifier, helping oil and water phases mix and stabilizing creams and emulsions. It is also a soap-type ingredient, so it can contribute to cleansing and a smooth, lotion-like feel. It is widely used and generally considered well tolerated in rinse-off and leave-on products.
What is Potassium Stearate?
Potassium Stearate is the potassium salt of stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid usually sourced from plant or animal fats. It is a soap-type ingredient used in skincare and cleansing products.
What does Potassium Stearate do in a formula?
It acts mainly as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping oil and water blend into a stable cream or lotion. It can also contribute mild cleansing and a smooth, soft texture.
Is Potassium Stearate safe?
Potassium Stearate is widely used and generally considered well tolerated in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. No specific concerns were flagged for it here.
Sunscreens with Potassium Stearate
We rate 5 sunscreens that contain it:
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Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturizer Spf 15
71/100
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Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15
49/100
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Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer Spf 15
49/100
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Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturizer Spf 15
49/100
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Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 15 With Hyaluronic Acid
49/100