CALCIUM STEARATE
Commonly Found In
Overview
Calcium stearate is the calcium salt of stearic acid, used as an emulsifier, lubricant, and anticaking agent in cosmetic powders and pressed products. It is inert and well-tolerated. The familiar white bathtub ring that forms when soap meets hard water is largely calcium stearate.
Also known as: calcium distearate, stearic acid, calcium salt, octadecanoic acid, calcium salt
Key Benefits
Functions as an emulsifier and lubricant; no direct skin-conditioning benefit. Studies suggest it is inert and non-irritating at cosmetic concentrations, improving powder texture and adherence.
Supporting Research
- β’ CIR Expert Panel β Safety Assessment of Calcium Stearate: Assessed safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Moderate comedogenic potential; calcium salt of stearic acid. Stearic acid rates 2/5 on comedogenicity scales; the calcium salt may have similar or slightly lower comedogenicity.
Source: Kligman & Kwong 1979; Fulton 1984; stearate comedogenicity references
Irritancy Rating
Low irritancy; fatty acid calcium salt with generally good skin compatibility. Functions primarily as a lubricant and powder binder.
Source: CIR Expert Panel safety assessment
Typical Use Concentration
Range
1β10%
Optimal
2β5%
No specific regulatory concentration limit. Used as an adjunct lubricant/binder in powder formulations.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Inert ingredient; compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. Used as lubricant and binder in pressed powder systems.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Banned | - | Follows EU regulations (IV/150) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
Widely permitted globally as an inert cosmetic ingredient. EU Annex IV/150 lists it as a permitted colorant.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in UK but allowed in EU, USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 9 ingredients in the ANTICAKING category. 100% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Not found in nature. A synthetic calcium salt of stearic acid. Sometimes forms as a white deposit ('bathtub ring') when soap reacts with hard water minerals.
π How It's Made
Produced by the double decomposition of sodium stearate and calcium chloride in aqueous solution, or by direct fusion of stearic acid with calcium hydroxide (lime).
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used as an anticaking and flow-promoting agent in face and body powders. Functions as a lubricant in pressed powder products (blush, eyeshadow). Also used as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity modifier in creams.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in paper and plastic manufacturing (lubricant, release agent), concrete waterproofing, pharmaceutical tablets, food packaging, and in PVC production as a stabilizer.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ The white scum that forms on your bathtub or shower doors in hard water areas is largely calcium stearate β formed when soap meets dissolved calcium in water
- β’ It's the main reason soap works poorly in hard water β the calcium 'steals' the soap molecules
- β’ Concrete waterproofing often uses calcium stearate β the same chemistry that makes soap scum actually keeps water out of concrete
Data Sources
- β’ EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex IV entry 150
- β’ CIR Expert Panel β Safety Assessment of Calcium Stearate
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Related Ingredients
ALUMINUM STEARATE
ZINC STEARATE
ALUMINUM SILICATE
BENTONITE
KAOLIN
MAGNESIUM STEARATE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CALCIUM STEARATE used for in cosmetics?
CALCIUM STEARATE is primarily used for anticaking in cosmetic products. It also serves as colorant, emulsion stabilising. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate CALCIUM STEARATE?
CALCIUM STEARATE is banned in UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in EU, JP, US.
Are there alternatives to CALCIUM STEARATE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on CALCIUM STEARATE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For anticaking, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Where can I find official regulation information about CALCIUM STEARATE?
Official information about CALCIUM STEARATE regulations can be found on government websites: EU CosIng database, US FDA Cosmetics page, Japan MHLW cosmetics standards, UK Government cosmetics guidance, and Korea MFDS. Always verify regulatory status with these official sources before making formulation decisions.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.