Stearic Acid

Stearic acid (SA), sometimes also called octadecanoic acid, is a saturated long-chain fatty acid. It’s present in humans, animals and some plants. It appears as a waxy, yellow-white, solid substance.

Stearic acid (SA), sometimes also called octadecanoic acid, is a saturated long-chain fatty acid. It’s present in humans, animals and some plants.
It appears as a waxy, yellow-white, solid substance.
Stearic acid uses include:
•    Making soap and cleansers (one of the most common ways it’s used worldwide)
•    Improving the efficacy and texture of cleansers, lotions and skin care/hair products, including shampoo and conditioner
•    Making cosmetics/makeup
•    Stabilizing the texture of shaving creams and lubricants
•    Creating detergents, house cleaners and textile softeners
•    Forming and softening plastics
•    Making candles
•    Making chewing gum
•    Making supplements/tablets
Stearic acid’s structure (being an 18-carbon chain fatty acid) allows it to help improve the texture and consistency of other products. It can help make skin/hair/household products solid and improve the ability of them to to mix with water (which is usually difficult since oil/water do not combine well).

BENEFITS OF STEARIC ACID
Everyone's needs are different, so many personal care ingredients receive mixed reviews from consumers who love them and others who prefer alternative ingredients. Stearic acid is one of the few substances with a widely positive perception for manufacturers and end-users.

This natural surfactant has many nourishing qualities that have proven highly beneficial when introduced to hair and skin products. Some advantages of using stearic acid in your products include:
•    Cleansing power: Because stearic acids attract oil, water and grease, products containing this ingredient are more effective at removing impurities like dirt, bacteria and excess oil from the skin's surface, promoting healthier skin.
•    Moisturizing ability: Stearic acids act as a protective barrier to the skin, safeguarding it against water loss. These substances help skin products like moisturizers and lotions hold more water than oil, making them more nourishing to the skin. They also lock in moisture without impacting the skin's natural oil production.
•    Soothing qualities: Due to its high moisture content, stearic acid is gentler than other skin care ingredients, creating a cooling and soothing effect for users.
 

STEARIC ACID USES

Due to its many health and safety benefits, stearic acid is a trusted ingredient in countless personal care and cosmetic applications. Some of the most common products that may contain stearic acid include:
•    Bar soap.
•    Body wash.
•    Facial cleanser.
•    Shampoo.
•    Laundry detergent.
•    Lotion.
•    Moisturizer.
•    Face cream.
•    Candles.
•    Shaving cream.
•    Chewing gum.