Description

Stearic Acid – The Plant-Derived Fatty Acid That Brings Richness, Structure & Stability to Your Formulations

Stearic Acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in vegetable fats and oils, especially in nourishing butters like cocoa and shea. Loved by formulators worldwide, it acts as both an emollient and thickener, helping to strengthen the skin’s barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and add body to formulations , without that waxy, heavy feel.

This multi-functional ingredient enhances the creaminess and stability of lotions, creams, and balms, while contributing to a luxurious, smooth skin feel. Beyond skincare, Stearic Acid is also a go-to in candles, soaps, shaving creams, and pharmaceuticals, making it a versatile powerhouse in both cosmetic and industrial applications.

When incorporated into soap formulations, Stearic Acid produces a harder, longer-lasting bar with a rich, stable lather, exactly what every formulator wants.

Technical Details:

INCI Name: Stearic Acid
Origin: USA
Appearance: Tiny white pellets
Solubility: Oil-soluble
Usage Rate: 1–25% (add to heated oil phase)

Formulation Insights:

Stearic Acid is a stronger thickener and hardener than Cetyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Alcohol, giving formulations a firmer structure and a plush, buttery texture.

Use it to:

• Thicken creams and lotions without waxy heaviness.

• Give body butters and balms a rich, cushiony texture.

• Create cleansing balms and scrubs with a creamy glide.

• Produce soaps that are firmer and longer-lasting.

• Replace or reduce wax for a smoother, lighter skin feel.

Usage Tip:
For emulsions, use 1–4%; for anhydrous products, up to 25% depending on desired firmness.

Common Applications:

• Creams & Lotions

• Cleansing Balms

• Body Butters

• Shaving Soaps & Creams

• Lip Balms

• Candle Making

Related Ingredients:

Looking for more emulsifiers and texture enhancers? Try:

• Cetyl Alcohol

• Cetearyl Alcohol

• BTMS-25 Conditioning Emulsifier

• Emulsifying Wax NF

• Olivem 1000

Storage 

Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity. Keep tightly sealed to avoid clumping.

Disclaimer:

This product is a cosmetic raw material for external use only in personal care and cosmetic formulations. It is not intended for ingestion or medical use. Product color, texture, and scent may vary slightly due to natural sourcing.

At Skin Foodie, we source only pharmaceutical and food-grade quality ingredients to ensure maximum safety, purity, and performance. Be cautious of low-cost alternatives,  identical names or CAS numbers do not guarantee equal quality or efficacy.