Zinc stearate is a metallic salt of stearic acid used as a mould-release agent, internal lubricant and water repellent. Its applications include plastics, cosmetics and pharmaceutical tableting. It is also recorded as an opacifying agent in cleansing creams and shampoos. The material is a fine white powder. The catalogue lists technical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and polymer grades in 20 kg and 25 kg bags. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade.