Zinc Stearate
What Zinc Stearate is & what it does
A soft metallic soap used to add slip, improve adhesion, and give powders a smooth, water-repellent feel. It also has mild soothing properties.
What does Zinc Stearate do in skincare?
Zinc Stearate is a zinc salt of stearic acid used as a thickener, bulking agent, and slip modifier, especially in powders. It helps powders glide and adhere to the skin while improving texture. It also contributes a smooth, soft feel to pressed and loose formulas.
Is Zinc Stearate safe in cosmetics?
Zinc Stearate has a long history of use in cosmetics, particularly in makeup and powders, and is generally regarded as safe for topical use. As with any fine powder, formulators take care with loose products meant to avoid inhalation. For leave-on creams it functions simply as a texture agent.
Is Zinc Stearate natural or synthetic?
Zinc Stearate is a synthesized metallic soap made by reacting zinc with stearic acid. The stearic acid can come from plant or animal fats, so the source depends on the supplier. Plant-derived versions are suitable for vegan formulas, so vegan-conscious users may want to confirm the sourcing.
Sunscreens with Zinc Stearate
We rate 56 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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Erha Active Light Sunscreen SPF 50+ Pa++++
96/100
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Skinvisibles Sun Celebrator SPF 50
92/100
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New Layer Pro Vitamin D High Performance Sunscreen Spf 50+
86/100
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BioBalance Sun Protection Milk For Kids SPF 50+
85/100
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MediFlower UV Filter Mild Sun Cream
85/100
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Hyaestic Mineral & Non-nano Particle Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 45
81/100
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Physicians Formula Super BB™ All-In-1 Beauty Balm Powder Spf 30
81/100
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Olecule Physical Shield Spf 45 Tinted
81/100
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Too Faced Born This Way Healthy Glow SPF 30 Skin Tint Foundation
80/100
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Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water Broad Spectrum SPF 30
79/100