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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0218 |
| Product Name | Stearic Acid |
| CAS | 57-11-4 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Hystrenes-97 |
| Description | Natural fatty acid occurring in vegetable fats. Anionic oil-in-water emulsifier. Synonyms: octadecanoic acid, heptadecane-carboxylic acid. |
| IUPAC Name | Octadecanoic acid |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C18H36O2 |
| Canonical SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C18H36O2/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) |
| InChI Key | QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Boiling Point | 361 °C(lit.) |
| Melting Point | 67-72 °C(lit.) |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Purity | 98% |
| Density | 0.845 g/mL |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Application | All kinds of personal care products including soaps, creams, lotions, foundation creams, liquefying creams, shaving creams. |
| Storage | Store below +30 °C |
| Composition | Stearic acid |
| Features And Benefits | Acts as good emulsion stabilizing agentHas effective thickening propertiesProvides a soft, pearly and cooling feel on the skin. Often used in lubricants. |
| GMO | GMONo data available |
| HS Code | 2915700120 |
| INCI | Stearic acid |
| Manufacture | Stearic acid is produced from fats and oils by the saponification of the triglycerides using hot water. The resulting mixture is then distilled. |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Vegetable fats and oils |
| Refractive Index | 1.4299 |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 37.3 Ų |
| Uses | Warm to melt for use. Typical use level 2 - 10%. For external use only. |
Stearic acid, or octadecanoic acid, is a versatile saturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms derived from both animal and plant oils, prominently found in ingredients such as cocoa and shea butter. It appears as a waxy solid, varying in color from white to yellowish, and emits an oil-like scent. As a safe, food-grade compound, stearic acid plays an essential role in the formulation of lotions and creams, serving as a surfactant, thickening agent, solubilizer, emulsifier, opacifier, and softening agent. Its efficacy in emulsifying and stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions maintains a homogeneous consistency, enhancing the product's sensory appeal with a soft, waxy, and cooling sensation on the skin. When applied topically, stearic acid assimilates into the skin's lipid layer, enhancing barrier functions while imparting a moisturizing effect. It also acts as an energy source for skin fibroblasts, supporting and nourishing their activity. With its unique dual molecular structure, it promotes effective penetration and delivery of active ingredients, such as beta-carotene, through the lipid barrier, thereby enhancing the formula's effectiveness. Environmentally friendly and biodegradable, stearic acid is incorporated into a wide array of personal care products, including soaps, creams, foundations, and shaving creams, typically at concentrations ranging from 1 to 25%.
What is Stearic Acid and where is it derived from?
Stearic Acid, also known as Octadecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with an 18-carbon chain. It can be derived from both animal and plant oils. It is primarily used in skincare formulations and is notably present in ingredients such as cocoa and shea butter. It appears as a white to yellowish waxy solid with an oil-like odor.
What roles does Stearic Acid play in skincare formulations?
Stearic Acid serves multiple functions in skincare products, including acting as a surfactant, thickening agent, solubilizer, emulsifier, opacifier, and softening agent. It provides excellent stabilization for oil-in-water emulsions, ensuring that products maintain a stable, homogeneous consistency. Additionally, it enhances the sensory experience with a soft, waxy, and cooling feel on the skin.
How does Stearic Acid benefit the skin when applied topically?
When applied topically, Stearic Acid integrates into the lipid layer of the epidermis, enhancing the skin's barrier functions and providing a moisturizing effect. It reaches skin fibroblasts, offering additional energy through beta-oxidation, which supports and nourishes the skin cells, boosting their functionality.
Can Stearic Acid improve the delivery of other active ingredients in skincare products?
Yes, Stearic Acid can act as a penetration enhancer due to its dual polar and lipophilic structure. It can temporarily bind to biologically active ingredients like beta-carotene and facilitate their passage through the lipid barrier, thereby enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of these ingredients at higher concentrations.
Is Stearic Acid safe for use in skincare and other personal care products?
Stearic Acid is considered a safe and natural ingredient for use in personal care products. It is food-grade, environment-friendly, and biodegradable, making it suitable for formulations ranging from liquid to solid. It is widely used in products such as soaps, creams, and lotions, typically at concentrations of 1-25%.
What types of personal care products commonly include Stearic Acid?
Stearic Acid is a versatile ingredient commonly found in a variety of personal care products. These include soaps, lotions, creams, foundation creams, liquefying creams, and protective shaving creams. It is valued for its ability to protect, cleanse, and moisturize the skin, leaving it fresh, healthy, and radiant.
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