Zinc Palmitate

What is Zinc Palmitate?

Zinc Palmitate is the zinc salt of palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid sourced from vegetable oils like palm or coconut. Produced by combining zinc oxide with palmitic acid, it appears as a fine white powder in cosmetics. Commonly found in makeup powders, eyeshadows, blushes, and deodorant sticks, it functions by absorbing excess moisture to prevent particle clumping, ensuring consistent texture during storage and use. As a slip modifier, it reduces surface friction for effortless product glide on skin. It adjusts formulation thickness for better stability and application feel. In deodorants, it limits bacterial activity linked to odor without impacting sweat.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Anticaking agent
Prevents powders from clumping by reducing moisture pickup and improving flow, keeping loose and pressed powders uniform during storage and use.
Slip modifier
Improves the spreadability and glide of products on skin.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Deodorant
Helps control body odor by reducing odor-causing bacteria and/or neutralizing or masking malodor, without necessarily reducing sweat production.

Benefits

Maintains smooth, clump-free texture in powder cosmetics

Facilitates easy spreading and application on skin

Assists in odor control within deodorant formulations

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of loose or pressed powders for reliable performance
Those with rare zinc allergies
Individuals seeking smooth-gliding makeup or skincare
Individuals preferring metal salt-free products
People using deodorants for everyday odor management
People sensitive to fatty acid derivatives

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe in cosmetics at typical concentrations
  • Presents low skin irritation potential based on assessments

Frequently Asked Questions about Zinc Palmitate

What does Zinc Palmitate do in cosmetics?

It prevents powder clumping, improves glide, controls thickness, and helps manage odor in products like makeup and deodorants.

Is Zinc Palmitate safe for skin?

Yes, it is considered safe for cosmetic use with low hazard and irritation potential.

Does Zinc Palmitate clog pores?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating it does not clog pores.