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 soaps, lotions, and cleansers, where it enhances lather and provides skin-conditioning benefits, making products feel richer and more hydrating.
C18H36O2
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MS Data SheetStearic Acid
Personal Care
Soaps and Cleansers: Used to create a rich lather, improve texture, and add a creamy consistency to bar soaps and liquid cleansers.
Lotions and Creams: Acts as a thickening agent and stabilizer, giving products a smooth, luxurious feel and helping them retain a consistent texture.
Cosmetic Products: Commonly used in makeup, such as foundations and powders, for its ability to bind ingredients and improve the product’s spreadability on the skin.
Shaving Creams: Provides a creamy, stable lather that helps razors glide smoothly while conditioning the skin.
Candles: Often used to harden wax in candle-making, creating candles that hold their shape and burn evenly.
SYNONYMS
Octadecanoic acid, Stearic acid (C18), 18-Octadecanoic acid, 1,2-Octadecanedioic acid, Octadecylic acid, Stearin acid, C18 fatty acid
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
284.48 g/mol
CAS NUMBER
57-11-4
CHEMICAL FORMULA
C18H36O2
HS CODE
29156
DENSITY
0.847 g/cm3
MELTING POINT
69.3 °C
BOILING POINT
383 °C
VISCOSITY
Not Specified
SHELF LIFE
2 years
TYPICAL PROPERTIES
Stearic acid, with the chemical formula C18H36O2, is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in animal and plant fats. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in organic solvents such as acetone, chloroform, and alcohols, and is a weak acid with a slightly acidic pH when dissolved in oil or alcohol. While stable, it can undergo oxidation over time, forming hydroperoxides and other degradation products when exposed to air or light. Functionally, stearic acid serves as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics and personal care products, a thickening agent in creams and lotions, and a surfactant in soaps to enhance lather. Additionally, it acts as a lubricant in plastics, rubber, and metalworking industries, is a key ingredient in soap and detergent production through the formation of soap salts with alkalies, and is used as a plasticizer to improve the texture and flexibility of materials in the plastic industry.
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