Zinc Stearate
Zinc Stearate is a fine, white powder composed of zinc salts of stearic acid. It is a hydrophobic, non-toxic metal soap widely used as a lubricant, release agent, and stabilizer in plastics, rubber, paints, coatings, and personal care industries. Known for its excellent mold-release properties and compatibility with a range of polymers, Zinc Stearate offers thermal stability and processing efficiency across industrial applications.
Zinc Stearate
Primary Uses
Plastics Industry
- Mold Release Agent: Prevents thermoplastics (e.g., PVC, ABS, PS) from sticking to molds.
- Processing Aid: Improves flow and dispersion during extrusion and molding.
- Stabilizer: Acts as a heat stabilizer in PVC formulations, often in combination with calcium stearate.
Rubber Industry
- Lubricant: Reduces internal friction during rubber processing and extrusion.
- Release Agent: Facilitates demolding of rubber parts and profiles.
- Activator: Enhances vulcanization when used with sulfur-based systems.
Paints & Coatings
- Matting Agent: Reduces gloss and improves texture in paints, lacquers, and powder coatings.
- Dispersing Aid: Improves pigment dispersion and prevents caking in formulations.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Bulking & Opacifying Agent: Used in powders, creams, and lotions to provide smooth texture and opacity.
- Water Repellency: Enhances moisture resistance in formulations. (Use restricted to cosmetic/personal care grades)
Secondary Uses
Pharmaceuticals
- Tablet Lubricant: Used as a dry lubricant in tablet manufacturing to prevent sticking. (Only when specified for pharmaceutical grade)
Construction Materials
- Hydrophobic Additive: Used in plasters and cement to increase water resistance and spreadability.
Textile Industry
- Softening Agent: Imparts softness and anti-static properties to fabrics in specialty treatments.
Paper Industry
- Surface Coating Aid: Enhances gloss and water resistance in certain coated papers and paperboard.
Polishes and Wax Products
- Thickener & Binder: Improves consistency and adhesion in furniture and automotive waxes/polishes.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Zinc octadecanoate
- Common/Trade Name: Zinc Stearate
- CAS Number: 557-05-1
- HS Code: 2915.70.00
- Synonyms: Zinc distearate, stearic acid zinc salt
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Fine, hydrophobic powder
- Color & Odor: White to off-white; slight fatty odor
- Melting Point: >120 °C (softens)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water and alcohol; soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents
- Density: ~1.1 g/cm³
- pH (10% dispersion): ~7.5–8.5
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- Not classified as hazardous
- Dust may cause mild eye or respiratory irritation
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; considered safe under normal handling conditions
- Exposure Limits: No specific limits; general dust exposure limits apply
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and oxidizers
- Container Type: 25 kg bags or fiber drums with liners
- Shelf Life: Up to 2 years under proper storage conditions
- Handling Precautions: Minimize dust formation; use standard PPE
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with REACH, OSHA, and TSCA regulations
- Listed in international chemical inventories (EINECS, DSL, AICS, etc.)
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards
- GMP-compliant production when intended for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use
- RoHS-compliant for electronics and plastics
- Conforms to FDA and EU standards for indirect food contact (when applicable)
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable in the environment
- Ecotoxicity: Low; not expected to be hazardous to aquatic life
- Bioaccumulation: Negligible
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, dust mask if airborne particles are present
- Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation; prevent dust accumulation
- Storage Measures: Keep sealed in original containers; avoid exposure to high humidity
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if respiratory symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes
- Ingestion: Not expected to be toxic; rinse mouth and consult a physician if large amounts are ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Not flammable but combustible as a dust cloud
- Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, CO₂, or water spray
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May emit zinc oxide and carbon oxides

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders