What Is Calcium Stearate?
Calcium stearate is a white, powdery substance that is derived from calcium oxide and vegetable oil. It is commonly used as a food additive, as well as in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. In food, it acts as an anti-caking agent and emulsifier. In cosmetics, it is used as a thickening agent. In pharmaceuticals, it is used to coat pills and capsules. In plastics, it is used as a lubricant.
Calcium Stearate: Properties
When an ingredient is anticaking, it means that it prevents clumping and adhesion. Calcium stearate is a classic example of an anticaking agent. It’s often used in pressed powders and eyeshadows to keep the product from sticking together or clumping. When used in makeup, it can also help to increase the wear time of the product.
Apart from its anticaking properties, calcium stearate is also used as a color making agent in some cosmetics. This means that it can help to produce a more consistent color in products like eyeshadow and blush. When combined with other ingredients, it can also create a more pigmented color.
Another property of calcium stearate is that it acts as an emulsion stabilizer. This means that it helps to keep oil and water based ingredients combined in a formula, preventing separation.
This is especially important in products like foundations and BB creams, which are designed to be smooth and evenly applied to the skin. Without an ingredient which would help to stabilize the emulsion, these products would quickly separate into their oil and water components, making them difficult to apply.
Finally, calcium stearate is considered an effective viscosity-controlling agent. This means that it helps to regulate the thickness of formulas and ensures that they maintain their consistency over time. By controlling the viscosity of formulas, calcium stearate can help to improve their stability and shelf-life. In addition, viscosity-controlling agents can also help to improve the texture of formulas and make them more pleasant to use.
Products That Contain Calcium Stearate
There are many different products that contain calcium stearate. Some of the most common include:
- pressed powders;
- foundations;
- BB creams;
- concealers;
- blushes;
- lipsticks.
But the use of calcium stearate is not limited to cosmetics only. It is also commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. It is used in candies as an anticaking agent, in pills and capsules as a coating agent, and in plastics as a lubricant.
Is Calcium Stearate Safe?
Many people are concerned about the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. There are a variety of ingredients in these products, some of which may be harmful if not used correctly. One ingredient that has come under scrutiny is calcium stearate.
Calcium stearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics, and it has a low risk of causing irritation or allergic reactions. It has been determined that calcium stearate is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
While calcium stearate is considered safe for use in cosmetics, it can sometimes cause skin irritation. In particular, it can be a problem for people who have sensitive skin or are allergic. If you experience any redness, itching, or swelling after using a cosmetic that contains calcium stearate, discontinue use and consult a doctor if necessary.
The situation is slightly different when it comes to the use of calcium stearate in the food industry. Although it is considered a safe additive to use in food, some people may still be sensitive to it and may experience gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. If you experience any adverse reactions after consuming foods containing calcium stearate, discontinue use.
Is Calcium Stearate Vegan?
Although it is considered safe for use in cosmetics, some people may be concerned about its safety due to its association with animal products.
Generally speaking, calcium stearate is vegan.
However, there are a few different types of calcium stearate, and not all of them are vegan. For example, some calcium stearates are derived from non-vegan or non-cruelty free sources, such as beef or palm oil.
It should be noted, though, that most calcium stearate on the market today is derived from plant-based sources. If you’re concerned about the safety of calcium stearate, check the ingredient label on your cosmetics to make sure it is derived from a vegan source.
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