Polysorbates

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C18H36O2. It is a solid, waxy substance that is odorless and tasteless. Stearic acid is commonly found in natural fats and oils, such as animal fats (beef, pork, and chicken) and vegetable oils (such as coconut oil, palm oil, and shea butter). Stearic acid is widely used in various industries and applications. In the food industry, it serves as a food additive and is commonly used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It can be found in a variety of food products, including baked goods, confectionery, margarine, and chocolate. Outside of the food industry, stearic acid has many applications. It is used in the production of candles, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and lubricants. It is also utilized as a coating for pills and tablets in the pharmaceutical industry. From a chemical perspective, stearic acid belongs to the class of fatty acids, which are long-chain carboxylic acids. It is called a saturated fatty acid because its carbon chain is fully saturated with hydrogen atoms, meaning it does not contain any carbon-carbon double bonds. This saturation gives stearic acid its solid form at room temperature and makes it less prone to rancidity compared to unsaturated fats. Overall, stearic acid is a versatile compound with various industrial applications, primarily as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, and lubricant.