A zinc soap used in powders for slip and adhesion.
What it is
Zinc stearate is the zinc salt of stearic acid, a fine white powder. CosIng lists it as anticaking, colorant, slip modifier and viscosity controlling. In the EU it is listed in Annex IV (allowed colorants).
Where it is used
Common in pressed and loose powders, eyeshadows, blushes and other powder makeup, where it improves texture and helps the powder hold together.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable conditions.
Functions
- Anticaking
- Preventing agglomeration of particulate solids into lumps or hard masses (cohesive cake), thus allowing free flow of particles.
- Colorant
- Exclusively or mainly intended to colour the cosmetic product, the body as a whole or certain parts thereof, by absorption or reflection of visible light; (precursors of oxidative hair colorants shall be deemed colorants). All authorised colorants are substances in the positive list of Annex IV to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
- Slip modifier
- Enhancing the flow properties of other ingredients without reacting chemically with them.
EU regulation
EU · Annex IV, entry 150Aluminium, zinc, magnesium and calcium stearates
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
Products with this ingredient (244)
- Express Brow Ultra Slim · Maybelline
- Puder Crème Puff · Max Factor
- Loose Powder · Max Factor
- FONDOTINTA FACEFINITY COMPACT · Max Factor
- Crème Puff Powder · Max Factor
- Blur Longwear Powder Foundation SPF15 · Lumene
- CC Color Correcting Powder · Lumene
- Natural Glow Bronzer · Lumene
- Natural Glow Blush · Lumene
- CC All-Over Concealer · Lumene
- Stay Luminous Matte Powder · Lumene
- The No Compromise Matte Longwear Powder – Neutral Deep · IsaDora