Zinc Stearate

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Announcement: there seems to have been a misunderstanding. "Zinc stearate" is not known by the names "scoop", "granny pockets" or "shepherd's pocket". These designations probably belong to certain plant species. Next we will look at a chemical known as zinc stearate.

Zinc stearate, known in English as zinc stearate, is a chemical compound that is widely used in industry. It is the second member of the fatty acid group, whose formula is C36H70ZnO4. The characteristic properties of this powder product are a white to light yellow colour, a fine consistency and a faint characteristic odour. Its main use is in the plastics and rubber industries as a separating and stabilising agent.

Zinc stearate is used in a wide range of products. One of its important applications is as a filler and stabilizer in many types of plastics. It prevents the cross-linking of polymer macromolecules during plastics processing and thus improves the properties of the final product. It is also used in the cosmetics industry. It is a component of some powders, where it acts as a matting agent, and is also contained in many other cosmetic products. In the food industry, zinc stearate, usually referred to as additive E470b, is used, for example, to coat confectionery. Its properties are also appreciated by manufacturers of paints or adhesives.