Zinc myristate

Zinc myristate (CAS 16260-27-8), also known as zinc tetradecanoate, is a zinc salt of myristic acid used across personal care, pharmaceutical, and polymer manufacturing. It functions primarily as a lubricant, flow modifier, and surface treatment agent in solid and semi-solid systems.

In cosmetics and personal care, it acts as a slip agent and texture modifier in pressed powders, foundations, and dry skincare formulations. These properties help in improving spreadability and skin adhesion for high-end consumer products.

Pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing uses it as a lubricant to reduce die friction and improve ejection performance in direct compression processes. This ensures consistent dosage forms and prevents sticking during high-speed production cycles.

In plastics and polymer processing, it functions as an internal and external lubricant, aiding mold release and reducing surface defects. It is particularly effective in PVC and other thermoplastic compounds requiring high thermal stability.

It also serves surface treatment applications where hydrophobic coating of mineral fillers or pigments is required. This process is essential to improve dispersion in polymer matrices and enhance the final physical properties of the material.

Zinc myristate is supplied as a fine white powder. Technical and cosmetic-grade material are the most commonly available specifications, with particle size distribution being a key quality parameter for powder-based formulations.

Buyers sourcing for pharmaceutical applications should confirm compliance with relevant pharmacopeial standards such as USP, BP, or EP. Adherence to excipient GMP requirements is also critical for regulatory approval in medical applications.