Stearic Acid
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Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid derived from plant and animal sources, commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products. It acts as an emulsifier and thickening agent, helping to stabilize…
CAS Number
57-11-4
HS Code
38.23.11.00
INCI Name
Stearic Acid
Molecular Formula
C₁₈H₃₆O₂
Stearic Acid
ELVISCTM – STA
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid derived from plant and animal sources, commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products. It acts as an emulsifier and thickening agent, helping to stabilize formulations and provide a creamy, smooth texture. Stearic acid is often found in…
CAS Number
57-11-4
INCI Name
Stearic Acid
HS Code
38.23.11.00
Molecular Formula
C₁₈H₃₆O₂
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Product Specification
Physical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Mild odor |
| Molecular Weight (G/Mol) | 284.5 |
| Density Or Specific Gravity | 0.86 at 68 °F |
| Viscosity | 9.87 mPa.sec (cP) at 70 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.4299 at 80 °C |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 156.7 °F |
| Boiling Point | 721 °F at 760 mmHg |
| Flash Point | 385 °F |
| Autoignition Temperature | 743 °F |
Processing Methods & Reference Formulations
A. Cosmetic cream
Add stearic acid to the oil phase and heat to ensure it fully melts. This prevents graininess and allows it to function effectively as a thickener and co-emulsifier.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Water (Purified) | 75.82% |
| Glycerin | 5.00% |
| Stearic Acid | 9.50% |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 0.53% |
| Dimethicone | 1.00% |
| Methylparaben | 0.02% |
| Propylparaben | 0.01% |
| Triethanolamine | 0.50% |
| EDTA | 0.10% |
| Potassium Hydroxide | 0.32% |
| Fragrance | 0.20% |
B. Hair shampoo
In shampoo formulations, add stearic acid to the oil or surfactant phase and heat to ensure full melting. It helps to thicken the formula.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Primary Surfactants | 8-12% |
| Secondary Surfactants | 2-5% |
| Stearic acid | 0.5-5% |
| Water | 60-80% |
| Conditioning Agents, Humectants, Preservatives, pH Adjusters etc. |
C. Cosmetic Ointment
Melt stearic acid with the oil phase to ensure complete integration and smooth texture. It acts as a thickener and stabilizer, so balance with emulsifiers to prevent phase separation in the ointment.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| 10–12% | |
| Salicylic acid | 4–6% |
| White vaseline | 62% |
| Stearic acid | 10% |
| Castor oil | 4% |
| Camphor | 1% |
| Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate | 0.9% |
| Ethylparaben | 0.1% |
D. Makeup foundation lotion
When adding stearic acid in foundation lotion formulation, pre-melt it with the oil phase to ensure full dissolution. Blend thoroughly before emulsification to prevent graininess and ensure a smooth texture.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Stearic acid | 2% |
| Cetyl alcohol | 4% |
| Paraffin liquid | 20% |
| Dimethicone | 5% |
| Polysorbate 80 | 3.65% |
| Propylparaben | 0.02% |
| Propylene glycol | 5% |
| Xanthan gum | 0.3% |
| Methylparaben | 0.18% |
| Distilled water | 60-70% |
| Other additives |
Dosing Guidelines
A. Dosing by Application
| Products | Authorized dosage |
|---|---|
| Skin Cleansing Preparations (Cold Creams, Lotions, Liquids) | 1-5% |
| Hair Shampoos, Hair Straighteners | 5-10% |
| Baby Lotions, Oils, Powders, and Creams | 0.1-5% |
| Eyeliner, Mascara, Eye shadow, Eyebrow Pencil | 1-10% |
| Perfumes, Cologne | 1-5% |
| Shaving Creams (Aerosols, Brushless, Lather), Shaving Soap (Cakes, Sticks) | 4-10% |
About Stearic Acid
About Stearic Acid
Regulatory Compliance
| Region | Max Allowed Level | Notes | Certification Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | - | No explicit legal maximum. Stearic Acid is reported to be used at up to 37.4% in rinse-off products (bath soaps and detergents) and at up to 21% in leave-on products. | FDA |
| European Union | - | Not restricted by EU Cosmetics Regulation; safe as used in current practice. | SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) |
| India | - | No BIS-specific limit | - |
| Japan | - | No specific limit | MHLW – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare |
| Canada | - | Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients | - |
| Australia | - | No statutory maximum | - |
| China | - | No statutory maximum | NMPA - National Medical Products Administration |
| Korea, Republic of | - | No statutory maximum | MFDS - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety |
| ASEAN | - | No statutory maximum | - |
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