Description

Stearic Acid is an organic, fatty acid that is found in vegetable fats and oils, It occurs naturally in butters like cocoa and shea.It is used as an emollient and thickner.  It has been shown to protect skin’s surface against water loss and help support skin’s protective barrier.  It works harmoniously with other fatty acids to support the skin and offers versatility in texture. Stearic acid is an isolated fatty acid used as a thickener and hardener in lotions, salves, body butters, and more.

Stearic Acid can also be used in the production of candles, cosmetics, shaving soaps, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. When added to soap, this ingredient will produce a bar that is harder and that has a more stable lather.

Stearic acid is produced from fats and oils by the saponification of the triglycerides using hot water. The resulting mixture is then distilled. It’s a strong thickener without the weight and tack of waxes, It will give a rich buttery feel to products.

Small amounts (1-4%) in lotions will significantly thicken them. When used in products like cleansing balms or emulsified sugar scrubs, stearic acid thickens without the weight and waxiness of waxes. It can be used in salves, balms, body butters, and body butter bars with or without wax. With stearic acid you can use less wax, which improves skin feel. It can also be used to make a blend of liquid oils feel buttery, and in larger amounts, to stiffen without any added wax. It is a stronger thickener/hardener than both cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol, it produces a harder/stiffer product than both of them.

INCI: Stearic Acid

Country of Origin: USA

Appearance:  Tiny white pellets

Usage :  1- 25% to the heated oil phase. (lower amounts are typically for emulsions, higher amounts are typically for anhydrous products)The exact percentage depends on the desired result.  As with all formulations, Kindly research and test to determine the threshold as it relates to your specific needs.

Solubility: Oil

Common Uses / Benefits

Stearic acid acts as good emulsion stabilizing agent. It is also an effective thickening properties and provides a soft, creamier products, so the end product will feel lighter on the skin. It is used in all kinds of personal care products including soaps, creams, lotions, foundation creams, liquefying creams, protective & shaving creams.