Ingrédient · Ingrédient
Aluminum stearate
Aussi appelé : Aluminum Stearates
A thickening powder used in cosmetics; fine on skin, but inhaling loose powder forms can irritate lungs.
Aluminum stearate is a metallic soap added to cosmetics like powders, lipsticks and lotions to thicken, add texture, or keep pigments from clumping. On skin it's essentially inert since it barely dissolves or absorbs, but breathing in fine cosmetic powders containing it (like loose face powder) can irritate airways, and aluminum exposure in general remains a topic of ongoing, unresolved research.
Affiché en anglais — la traduction arrive.
Why it matters
Aluminum stearate is made by combining aluminum with stearic acid, a common fatty acid. In cosmetics it works as a thickener, anti-caking agent, and helps pigments spread evenly in products like powders, lipsticks, foundations, and some lotions. It's also used industrially as a thickener in greases and paints. On the skin, it mostly just sits on the surface - it has very low solubility and doesn't easily penetrate. Most people using cosmetics containing it have nothing to worry about from normal use.
Sources (2)
- 1.EFSA statement on the safety of aluminium in food and cosmetics
- 2.CosIng - EU Cosmetics Ingredient Database
