Stearic Acid (III Pressed Grade)
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INCI Name:
Stearic Acid
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Molecular Formula:
C₁₈H₃₆O₂
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CAS Number:
57-11-4
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Grade:
III Pressed (Cosmetic / Soap Making Grade)
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Alternate Names:
- Octadecanoic Acid
- Stearic Acid Flakes
- Vegetable Stearic Acid
- Cosmetic Thickener
- Soap Hardener Acid
Key Benefits:
- Thickens creams and lotions effectively
- Improves texture and stability of emulsions
- Enhances foam and creaminess in cleansers
- Acts as a natural soap hardener
- Provides smooth, rich skin feel
- Helps stabilize oil-water systems
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in soaps, creams, lotions, and shaving products
- Improves viscosity and body of formulations
- Enhances foam quality in cleansing products
- Used as co-emulsifier in emulsions
- Common ingredient in personal care and cosmetic bases
Recommended Usage Level:
- Cold Process Soap: 3% – 8%
- Creams & Lotions: 2% – 10%
- Shaving Creams: 3% – 12%
- Cleansers: 1% – 5%
- Cosmetic Emulsions: 1% – 8%
How It Works (Short):
- Functions as a fatty acid emulsifier and thickener that helps stabilize oil and water phases
- In soap making, reacts with alkalis (NaOH/KOH) to form soap molecules, improving hardness and cleansing
- Enhances viscosity and body in creams and lotions
- Improves foam structure and creaminess in surfactant systems
- Helps create stable emulsions with smooth texture and good spreadability
- Works well with Cetyl Alcohol, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, and emulsifiers like TEA
Key Benefits for Formulators:
- Improves product stability and thickness
- Enhances luxurious creamy texture
- Boosts foam quality in cleansing systems
- Supports stable emulsions
- Widely used in soap and skincare manufacturing
Olfactory Notes:
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Odor Profile: Mild fatty waxy
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Top Notes: Neutral
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Heart Notes: Soft waxy fat-like notes
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Base Notes: Subtle lipid undertones
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Character: Clean, functional, mild
FAQs:
Q: What is Stearic Acid III Pressed used for?
A: It is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and soap hardener in cosmetics and soap making.
Q: Why is Stearic Acid used in creams?
A: It helps thicken creams, stabilize emulsions, and improve texture.
Q: Is Stearic Acid natural?
A: It is usually derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, commonly palm or coconut sources.
Q: Can Stearic Acid improve foam?
A: Yes, it helps create richer and creamier foam in cleansing products.
Q: What works well with Stearic Acid?
A: Cetyl Alcohol, Myristic Acid, Triethanolamine (TEA), Glycerin, and emulsifiers.
