Stearic Acid / اسٹیئرک ایسڈ / Gross Weight 100gm

Stearic Acid is a saturated C-18 long-chain fatty acid naturally present in animal fats, shea butter, cocoa butter, and palm oil. It has been used in cosmetics and personal care for well over a century, serving as one of the foundational raw materials in soap manufacturing and classical emulsion technology. Its waxy, solid form at room temperature makes it a reliable structuring and thickening agent across a wide range of formulation types, from lightweight lotions to firm solid balms.

What sets Stearic Acid apart is its dual function as both an emulsifier and a texture modifier. When combined with a base such as triethanolamine or sodium hydroxide, it forms a soap-like emulsifying salt in situ that stabilizes emulsions and creates the characteristic smooth, non-greasy, pearlescent skin feel found in classical cold cream and vanishing cream formulations. This neutralization technique is a cornerstone of professional cosmetic chemistry and explains why Stearic Acid appears consistently across high-performance cream, lotion, and soap recipes worldwide.

Recommended Usage

Skincare (Creams, Serums, Lotions)

Stearic Acid is a cornerstone emulsifier and thickener in skincare emulsions, delivering smooth, stable textures with a refined skin feel. Use at 2–8% in light lotions and up to 15% in richer creams for structure and a silky, non-greasy finish.

Haircare (Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks)

It contributes mild emolliency and added body in rinse-off conditioners and cream-based hair masks. Use at 1–3% where slip, creaminess, and extra conditioning weight are desired.

Soap Making (Cold Process, Melt and Pour)

Stearic Acid is essential in soap making — it produces hard, dense bars with a stable, creamy lather that holds up well over time. In cold process soap, use at 5–30% of your total oil weight to significantly increase bar hardness and lather quality.

Body Care (Scrubs, Butters, Balms)

It is an outstanding structuring agent for solid body butters, lotion bars, lip balms, and massage sticks. Combine with beeswax or candelilla wax at 5–20% to achieve firm, clean-melting balm textures that apply smoothly.

Functional Cosmetics (Deodorants, Sunscreen, Baby Care)

Stearic Acid serves as a reliable structuring base in stick deodorants and pressed sunscreen formats. Keep concentrations conservative in baby care formulations and confirm tolerability through patch testing for sensitive or reactive skin types.