Stearic Acid

Stearic acid (Octadecanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms in length that can be derived from animal or plant oils. Octadecanoic acid is a significant component of famous skincare ingredients like cocoa and shea butter. It is a white to yellowish waxy solid with an oil-like odor. It is a safe food-grade ingredient that helps to emulsify, thicken, bind, and stabilize lotions and creams.

Thanks to multiple beneficial properties, Stearic acid is used in skin care preparations as a surfactant, thickening agent, solubilizer, emulsifier, opacifier, and softening agent. It is an excellent oil-in-water emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer, keeping oil and water-based phases of formulation in a stable homogeneous consistency while improving the sensory profile with a soft waxy, pearly, and cooling feel on the skin.

Applied topically, Octadecanoic acid incorporates into the lipid layer of the epidermis, improving barrier functions while leaving a moisturizing effect. In addition, reaching skin fibroblasts, which can metabolize via beta-oxidation, Stearic acid provides additional energy, nourishing and boosting their functions.

Thanks to a dual structure of the molecule with polar and lipophilic parts, Stearic acid is a perfect penetration enhancer that temporarily binds to biologically active ingredients like beta-carotene and passes through the lipid barrier speeding up delivery with high concentrations and improving the effectiveness of the formula.

It is a natural, safe, environment-friendly, and biodegradable ingredient used in many types of formulations, from liquid to solid. Stearic acid protects, cleanses, and moisturizes skin leaving it fresh, healthy, and radiant. Stearic acid is a widely used basic ingredient in personal care products including soaps, creams, lotions, foundation creams, liquefying creams, and protective shaving creams usually at 1-25%.