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Zinc stearate

Zinc stearate suppliers and sourcing guide

Zinc stearate is the zinc salt of stearic acid, a fine, white, water-repellent powder made by precipitating zinc salts with sodium stearate solution or by fusing stearic acid with zinc oxide. In cosmetics it is used in pressed powders, eyeshadows and blushes for adhesion, slip and pressability, and in other industries as a release agent and lubricant. Commercial stearic acid is a mix of stearic and palmitic acids, so most grades are mixed zinc salts.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Zinc octadecanoate · Zinc distearate · Stearic acid, zinc salt · CAS 557-05-1
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of zinc stearate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Cosmetic grade

    Fine powder with low free fatty acid and controlled particle size for pressed and loose powders.

  • Pharmaceutical grade

    Made to pharmacopeial specifications, used as a tablet and capsule lubricant.

  • Vegetable-source grades

    Made from palm or other plant-derived stearic acid, often with traceability or RSPO certification.

  • Food grade

    Zinc stearate made to food-chemical specifications from stearic acid suitable for food use.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Zinc assay
Zinc content (often reported as zinc oxide) by complexometric EDTA titration or ICP.
Fatty acid composition
Stearic and palmitic acid ratio by GC after hydrolysis and methylation.
Free fatty acid and moisture
Free fatty acid by titration and loss on drying, which affect pressability and odor.
Particle size
Sieve residue or laser diffraction, which affects feel and how well powders press.
Heavy metals
Lead, cadmium and arsenic by ICP-MS, important because zinc ores can carry cadmium.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold for cosmetic and pharma grades.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store zinc stearate in closed bags or drums in a cool, dry area away from heat and ignition sources; fine metallic stearate powders can form combustible dust. It is stable for long periods when kept dry. Shelf life and retest dates follow the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the zinc content, fatty acid profile and particle size for each lot, as these shift pressability and color in pressed powders. Note the stearic acid source (vegetable or animal) per lot when the finished product carries a vegan or origin claim.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 182.8994 lists zinc stearate, prepared from stearic acid free from chick-edema factor, as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists zinc stearate (CAS 557-05-1) with the technical effect 'nutrient supplement' and cites 21 CFR 182.8994 among other regulations.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Zinc stearate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking zinc stearate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of zinc stearate can brands buy?

Common forms include cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade, vegetable-source grades and food grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for zinc stearate include?

Expect zinc assay, fatty acid composition, free fatty acid and moisture, particle size, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should zinc stearate be stored?

Store zinc stearate in closed bags or drums in a cool, dry area away from heat and ignition sources; fine metallic stearate powders can form combustible dust. It is stable for long periods when kept dry. Shelf life and retest dates follow the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of zinc stearate?

21 CFR 182.8994 lists zinc stearate, prepared from stearic acid free from chick-edema factor, as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists zinc stearate (CAS 557-05-1) with the technical effect 'nutrient supplement' and cites 21 CFR 182.8994 among other regulations.

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