Formula: 44012 Difficulty Level: intermediate Shelf life: min. 3 months Optimal pH: 5.5-6.0 Phase Ingredients Dosage % Total 100 g A Pure / Distilled Water 73 73 g A Lauryl Surfactant 7 7 g A HEC Gum...
Stearic acid
€4.06
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€3.41
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Description
Stearic Acid - Texture Agent, Stabilizer, and Consistency Factor
Stearic Acid is a saturated fatty acid, naturally found in various vegetable butters and oils, being an indispensable ingredient in the formulation of solid cosmetics and rich emulsions. Although it bears the name "acid", in cosmetics it does not have an exfoliating role, but acts as a thickening and opacifying agent. It is present in creams, balms, ointments, sticks and baton-type products, soaps, candles.
Ingredients (INCI): Stearic Acid.
Technical Characteristics
- Origin: 100% vegetable (derived from vegetable oils).
- Appearance: White granules or flakes with a neutral odor.
- Solubility: Soluble in the heated oil phase.
- Function: Co-emulsifier, thickening agent, consistency factor, opacifying agent.
- General recommended dosage: 2% - 10% (up to 30% in candles or solid products).
Information from Specialized Literature
Stearic acid is one of the most widely used raw materials in the cosmetic industry due to its safety profile and versatility:
- Emulsion Structuring: Specialized literature describes it as an excellent crystalline network-forming agent in creams, preventing phase separation and providing increased long-term stability.
- Sensory Profile: Unlike other vegetable waxes, stearic acid provides emulsions with a matte, non-glossy texture and a "dry touch" feel, facilitating rapid absorption into the skin.
- Skin Protection: As a natural component of the lipid barrier, it helps maintain the integrity of the stratum corneum and protects the skin against moisture loss.
- Saponification: In soap making, it is documented for its ability to accelerate the "trace" and provide a dense, stable lather.
Main Properties
- Consistency factor: Transforms a fluid lotion into a dense and rich cream.
- Opacifier: Gives cosmetic products a white, matte, unctuous appearance.
- Stabilizer: Helps maintain the homogeneity of Oil-in-Water (O/W) emulsions.
- Hardener (Hardening agent): Increases the melting point of lip balms and body butters, preventing them from melting at high ambient temperatures.
Applications
- Moisturizing face creams and body lotions.
- Shaving creams, cleansing creams.
- Lip balms and cosmetic sticks.
- "Whipped body butter" type body butters for an aerated but stable structure.
- Natural soaps made by the cold or hot process.
- Vegetable candles (increases burning time and opacity).
Formulation Guide
- Procedure: Add to the oil phase of the preparation and heat until completely melted (approx. 65-70°C). It is stable across a wide pH range.
- Ellemental Synergies:
- For the skin barrier: Combine with Sodium Lactate in the aqueous phase to create an intensely moisturizing and protective cream.
- For a velvety texture: Associate with MCT Oil to achieve rapid absorption and a matte appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it suitable for oily/acne-prone skin?
Although it is a fatty acid, vegetable stearic acid has a low comedogenic potential in well-balanced formulations. Its "dry" feel often makes it more pleasant on combination skin than other heavy vegetable butters.
Can I use stearic acid as the sole emulsifier?
No. Stearic acid is a co-emulsifier. It requires a primary emulsifier to create a stable emulsion, its role being to improve texture and stability.
Safety in Use
Profile: Safe, biodegradable ingredient of vegetable origin, oxidatively stable.
Precautions: External cosmetic use. Handle with care when hot (melted).
Storage: In a dry, cool place.
Scientific Reference Literature (2020-2024)
- Ferreira, M. S., et al. (2022). Fatty acids in cosmetics: The role of Stearic Acid in emulsion stability and skin barrier support. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
- Gosh, S., et al. (2021). Effect of stearic acid concentration on the rheological properties of O/W cosmetic emulsions. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
- Tan, C., et al. (2023). Vegetable-derived fatty acids: A sustainable approach to texture modification in personal care. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews.
- Johnson, W. Jr., et al. (2020). Safety Assessment of Stearic Acid and Fatty Acids as Used in Cosmetics. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
Details
Code
D-1418
Categories
INCI
Stearic Acid
Status
Natural compliant
Natural index
ISO 16128 - Natural origin 1.0
Additives
no
Preservatives
no preservatives
Appearance
flakes, granules, ivory
Suitable for
candles, cosmetics, soaps
Skin care
Cleansers, Conditioners, Face creams
Body care
Body butters, Conditioners, Creams Emulsions, Ointments
Hygiene
Cleansers, Deodorants, Soaps
Charge
anionic
Solubility
in oil
Use level
2 - 30 %
Storage
in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight
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A
Adriana N.
10 Feb 2025
Hi, unfortunately I stubbornly made a cream, which got cut off because I didn't have this acid and I guess another minus was that I didn't have a thermometer, can the composite be recovered? I have now launched with order for stearic acid.Thanks!
T
Tatiana C.
10 Jan 2025
Comfortable product to use for thickening and stabilization With the help of stearic acid I have also prepared creamy waxes and stick deodorants and lip balms
M
Miki M.
10 Jan 2025
I have used it in the preparation of various care products, deodorants, soaps and I was very pleased with the results.
C
Claudiu B.
10 Dec 2024
I only use it in soaps when I want to get a higher hardness. You can feel the difference, with and without stearic acid, the soaps come out of shape more easily.
C
Claudia g.
10 Dec 2024
Very good product, I use it in shower gels. It has good end product stability but I would have liked it to have a finer granulation to dissolve more easily.
S
Savu C.
10 Dec 2024
Protective effect (filmogenic): Due to its structure it forms a protective film on the surface of the skin, which prevents dehydration. I like it, very good product.
A
Alina B.
10 Oct 2024
A versatile product with multiple uses in cosmetic formulations such as body butters, deo stick uri, body creams, cleansers.
A
Alina G.
22 May 2024
I use it for solid deodorants, it doesn't feel oily, sticky on application. Very good!
G
Georgeta Z.
22 May 2024
It has so many applications: deodorants, creams, butters and lotions. It is the easiest to use emulsifier! In my experience, it can be used as the sole emulsifying agent, but testing is necessary. I kept experimenting until I found the right percentage to get stable and nice textured emulsions. I am very happy with the texture I finally got for the moisturizing body lotion: it sinks into the skin quickly and is fluffy.
V
Vasiliu I.
22 May 2024
has a high thickening capacity of the compositions gives consistency and helps to stabilize emulsions improves the texture of emulsions softens and smoothes the skin
M
Muntean i.
22 May 2024
I use it every time I make deodorant, it's wonderful.
T
T. Hoyt
21 Oct 2025
Hi! I have been trying to use it in my deodorant, experimenting with small batches, but I have been struggling with how much to use. Would you mind sharing your ratios? Thank you!
A
Andrada S.
22 May 2024
I use stearic acid in formulations where I use larger amounts of oil and in soaps. So far I am very pleased with how it works with it.
M
Mihaela c.
22 May 2024
I use it as an ingredient for deodorant stick.Recomand is indispensable.
M
Miki M.
05 Jan 2024
I love it and will not give it up.I use it a lot in deodorant stik which is more solid with this ingredient.
T
T. Hoyt
21 Oct 2025
Hi, I have been making my own deodorant for a while now, but only recently started adding stearic acid. I have tried several small test batches, but I just can't seem to get my ratio of stearic acid to oil right. Would you mind sharing how much you use to your oils? Thank you!
A
Andra G.
05 Jan 2024
I have used it to prepare different skin care products and have been very pleased with the results
G
Gabriela C.
05 Jan 2024
It's a natural, plant-based product. It can be successfully used in the preparation of cosmetic products, providing an increase in their viscosity and stability (in the case of emulsions, conditioners, solid shampoos). It increases the hardness of candles or soaps.
B
Blaga F.
05 Jan 2024
I use it most often in the summer, in deodorant and body butter. The texture of the products is very good, they soften harder than without strearic acid; they don't feel greasy on the skin.
M
Miki M.
05 Oct 2023
The viscosity of the creams is better with this ingredient .I have to use it in solid hair soaps also I understand it is very good.
C
Customer E.
15 Feb 2023
Excellent, gives the soap a rich lather. The cream gives a fine lubricity and leaves it very hydrating.
M
Mariana P.
05 Oct 2022
I have used it, use it and will not give it up. I like to add it in the preparation of solid stick deodorants.