Zinc glycerolate comprised of plate-like crystals is prepared by heating a mixture of zinc oxide, or a zinc oxide precursor compound, with glycerol at 15 DEG C to 105 DEG C, usually at least 45 DEG C. Excess glycerol can be removed from the crude zinc glycerolate product by washing at least once with a C1-C4 alkanol, preferably isopropanol.
