Zinc Stearate

Description

Zinc Stearate · CAS 557-05-1 · Zn(C18H35O2)2. UNII H92E6QA4FV. Melting Point: 266 °F (NIOSH, 2024); Melting Point: 130 °C; Melting Point: 266 °F.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	557-05-1
PubChem CID	11178
Molecular formula	Zn(C18H35O2)2
IUPAC name	zinc bis(octadecanoate)
UNII (FDA)	H92E6QA4FV

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	632.3
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	4
Rotatable Bond Count	30
Exact Mass	630.456552
Monoisotopic Mass	630.456552
Topological Polar Surface Area	80.3
Heavy Atom Count	41
Formal Charge	0
Complexity	196

Physical & Chemical Properties

Melting Point	266 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Melting Point	130 °C
Melting Point	266 °F
Flash Point	530 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Flash Point	277 °C
Flash Point	277 °C o.c.
Flash Point	(oc) 530 °F
Density	1.095 g/cu cm
Density	1.1 g/cm³
Density	1.10

Physical description & handling notes

• Zinc stearate is a white, hydrophobic powder with a slight, characteristic odor. Mp: 130 °C. Density: 1.1 g cm-3. Insoluble in water, ethyl alcohol and diethyl ether. Soluble in acids. Non-toxic. In technical grades, the percentage of zinc may vary according to the intended use. Products with less than the theoretical amount of zinc are more acidic.
• Wet Solid; Other Solid; Dry Powder; CBI; Large Crystals; Dry Powder; Large Crystals; Wet Solid; Dry Powder; Large Crystals; Dry Powder; Other Solid; Liquid; Dry Powder; Liquid
• Soft, white powder with a slight, characteristic odor; [NIOSH]
• White to yellow powder or wax-like substance; Stearates are salts of octadecanoic acid; [ACGIH]
• WHITE FINE SOFT POWDER.
• Soft, white powder with a slight, characteristic odor.

Regulatory Status

Regulatory & Food Contact	FDA Substance added to food: NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS CIR / INCI: Cosmetic ingredients (Zinc Stearate) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) CIR / INCI: Cosmetic colorant; Anticaking
GHS notification summary	61.3% (1292 / 2108)

GHS Hazard Classification

GHS notification summary	61.3% (1292 / 2108)
Reported hazard statements	H335 (28.3%), H400 (30.9%), H413 (22.7%), H316, H320

Documented Uses

• Used to manufacture drugs, lacquers, and plastics; also used as a dietary supplement, waterproofing agent, heat and light stabilizer, and lubricant; [HSDB] Stearates are salts of octadecanoic acid. Zinc stearate is used in cosmetic powders for its adhesive properties. [ACGIH]
• Used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food additives, waterproofing agents, plastic stabilizers, emulsifiers, and rubber lubricants and dusting agents; Stearic acid occurs naturally in human and animal fats and oils and in some vegetable oils, including cocoa oil. Stearic acid can be prepared from animal fat (triglyceride) by treating with water at high temperature, leading to hydrolysis of triglycerides, or by hydrogenation of unsaturated vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil. [ACGIH]
• In tablet manufacture; in cosmetic and pharmaceutical powders and ointments.
• Zinc stearate has been used in baby toiletries and bath powders as a dry lubricant to absorb moisture and prevent chafing.
• Zinc stearate serves as an opacifying agent in cleansing creams and shampoos. In hair grooming products, it is used as a water-in-oil emulsifier.
• For more Uses (Complete) data for ZINC STEARATE (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Synonyms

ZINC STEARATE; 557-05-1; Zinc octadecanoate; Zinc distearate; Zn Stearate; Octadecanoic acid, zinc salt; Hydense; Hytech; Mathe; Coad; Zinci stearas; Zink distearat; Unichem ZS; Zincum stearinicum; Stearic acid, zinc salt; Dermarone

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of Zinc Stearate?

CAS 557-05-1; molecular formula Zn(C18H35O2)2; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is Zinc Stearate known by?

ZINC STEARATE, 557-05-1, Zinc octadecanoate, Zinc distearate, Zn Stearate, Octadecanoic acid, zinc salt.

What is the regulatory status of Zinc Stearate?

Documented regulatory listings: FDA Substance added to food: NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT; FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS; CIR / INCI: Cosmetic ingredients (Zinc Stearate) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

Is Zinc Stearate classified as hazardous?

61.3% of GHS notifications report no hazard classification (1292 of 2108).

What are the key physical properties of Zinc Stearate?

Melting Point: 266 °F (NIOSH, 2024); Melting Point: 130 °C; Melting Point: 266 °F; Flash Point: 530 °F (NIOSH, 2024).

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.