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| Catalog Number | CI-HC-0110 |
| Product Name | Sodium Stearate |
| CAS | 822-16-2 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Stearic acid, sodium salt |
| Description | Vegetable-based aqueous thickener and gelling agent, emulsifying agent (o/w), and cleansing agent. Consists primarily of the sodium salts of saturated C16 & C18 fatty acids. Particle size (thru 100 mesh) approx. 0.4 micrometers. |
| IUPAC Name | Sodium;octadecanoate |
| Molecular Weight | 306.46 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C18H35NaO2 |
| Canonical SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)[O-].[Na+] |
| InChI | RYYKJJJTJZKILX-UHFFFAOYSA-M |
| InChI Key | InChI=1S/C18H36O2.Na/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20;/h2-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20);/q;+1/p-1 |
| Melting Point | 245 - 255ºC |
| Flash Point | 162.4ºC |
| Purity | 98%+ |
| Density | 1.103 g/mL |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot water, alcohol and esters |
| Appearance | Off-white powder |
| Application | Stick cosmetics (e.g. deodorants), color cosmetics, soaps, creams, lotions, sunscreens, after sun care products. |
| Storage | Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature |
| Composition | Sodium stearate |
| Features And Benefits | Multi-functional ingredient with thickening, gelling, and emulsifying propertiesWidely used as thickener in stick products (e.g. deodorants) and co-emulsifier in cream and lotions |
| GMO | GMONo data available |
| HS Code | 3402130000 |
| INCI | Sodium stearate |
| Manufacture | Sodium stearate is produced by saponification of vegetable oils and fats. The resulting stearic acid is then further purified by reacting it with sodium hydroxide. |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Vegetable oils |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 40.1 Ų |
| Uses | Add powder to the hot water phase (approx. 80oC / 176oF) and stir until homogeneous. Typical use level 0.5-20% (deodorant sticks 4 - 8%, bar soaps 5 - 20%, co-emulsifiers <1%) . For external use only. |
Sodium Stearate, a sodium salt of the saturated C18 fatty acid known as stearic acid, is commonly utilized across various industries due to its adaptability and safety profile. In cleansing products, particularly bar soaps, it serves as an effective detergent resulting from the saponification of edible tallows or vegetable oils. In the realm of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and toiletries, Sodium Stearate is valued for its multifunctional properties, acting as an emulsifier, dispersant, thickening agent, wetting agent, or gelling agent. Notably, when combined with polar solvents, such as short-chain alcohols, it facilitates the creation of stable gels, which are beneficial in producing cosmetic sticks. With its high melting point, Sodium Stearate finds applications in high-temperature processes involving materials like polycarbonates and nylons. It is also approved for use in the food industry for roles such as a component in chewing gum bases, food-contact surfaces, and as an anti-caking agent in animal feeds. Environmentally, it is recognized as an eco-friendly and biodegradable option, being a naturally occurring compound. This versatile ingredient is employed in a range of products, including deodorant sticks, decorative cosmetics, soap bars, creams, lotions, sunscreens, and after-sun formulations.
What is sodium stearate used for in cosmetic formulations?
Sodium stearate is used as a cleansing/emulsifying agent and to adjust the viscosity and stiffness of cosmetic formulations.
What types of products often contain sodium stearate?
Sodium stearate is often found in solid-style products such as stick-based sunscreens, bar soaps, and waxes.
Can sodium stearate contribute to pore-clogging residue on the skin?
Sodium stearate may potentially contribute to a pore-clogging residue on the skin, depending on the overall formula in which it is used.
Can sodium stearate be synthetically made?
Yes, sodium stearate can be synthetically made or derived from animals.
What is the safety assessment of sodium stearate by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel?
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that sodium stearate is safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in their assessment, when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
What are stearate salts used for in cosmetics and personal care products?
Stearate salts, including sodium stearate, are mainly used for their lubricating properties and to prevent emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components.
Are stearate salts derived from animal or vegetable sources?
The stearate salts are derived from a mixture of monocarboxylic acids obtained from animal and/or vegetable sources.
Are sodium stearate and other stearate salts considered safe for use in food?
Yes, sodium stearate and other stearate salts (such as aluminum, calcium, and potassium stearate) are considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration for direct addition to food.
Can sodium stearate cause skin irritation or sensitization?
Skin irritation studies have shown that sodium stearate is only a minimal to slight irritant at high concentrations, and no sensitization was reported in subjects tested with a formulation containing sodium stearate.
Can stearate salts be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe?
Yes, stearate salts, including sodium stearate, can be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
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