Allowed in EU

Potassium Stearate

A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

Potassium stearate

What does it do?

Potassium Stearate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Cleansing

    helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair

  • Surfactant - cleansing

    surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes

  • Surfactant - emulsifying

    surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate

EU regulatory status

Potassium Stearate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is Potassium Stearate?

Potassium Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Potassium stearate

Is Potassium Stearate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Potassium Stearate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Potassium Stearate do in cosmetic products?

Potassium Stearate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.

What is the CAS number of Potassium Stearate?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Potassium Stearate is 593-29-3.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010