Stearic Acid
Stearic Acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid, appearing as a white, waxy solid with a mild, characteristic odor. It is a naturally occurring substance found in animal and vegetable fats and oils. As one of the most common fatty acids, it is a fundamental building block in the manufacture of a vast array of consumer and industrial products. Its key functions include use as a lubricant, softener, thickener, and emulsifier, making it an indispensable ingredient in industries ranging from plastics and rubber to cosmetics and food.
Stearic Acid
Primary Uses
- Plastics & Polymer Manufacturing
- Used as a powerful lubricant and release agent during PVC and other polymer processing, preventing sheets from sticking to equipment.
- Acts as a plasticizer and flow enhancer.
- Rubber Processing
- Serves as a softening agent and plasticizer, improving the plasticity and processability of rubber compounds.
- Acts as a vulcanization activator.
- Cosmetic & Personal Care
- Used as an emollient, thickener, and opacifying agent in creams, lotions, and soaps.
- Helps stabilize emulsions and provides a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Employed as a tablet lubricant and binder in solid dosage formulations, ensuring efficient production and consistent drug release.
- Food & Beverage
- Used as a binder, emulsifier, and anti-caking agent in food products (e.g., chewing gum, confectionery).
Secondary Uses
- Candles
- Used to harden candles and control their burning rate.
- Metalworking
- Used in the formulation of lubricants and processing aids for metal drawing and extrusion.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Octadecanoic acid
- Common/Trade Name: Stearic Acid
- CAS Number: 57-11-4
- HS Code: 2915.70
- Synonyms: n-Octadecanoic acid, C18:0
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid, crystalline flakes or powder
- Color & Odor: White; mild, characteristic fatty odor
- Melting Point: ~69-71°C
- Boiling Point: ~361°C
- Density: ~0.94 g/cm³
- Solubility: Soluble in alcohols, ethers, chloroform; insoluble in water.
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: May be classified as causing skin irritation (Category 2) and serious eye irritation (Category 2A).
- Toxicity: Considered non-toxic. Low ingestion hazard.
- Exposure Limits: Not typically established. Avoid dust formation.
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers.
- Container Type: Bags, boxes, or drums.
- Shelf Life: Excellent stability if stored properly.
- Handling Precautions: Use with adequate ventilation. Minimize dust generation. Use gloves and safety glasses.
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) as a direct food additive.
- Complies with other relevant regulations (REACH, etc.).
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable.
- Ecotoxicity: Low ecotoxicity.
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation.
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Safety glasses, gloves.
- Handling Guidelines: Good general ventilation is sufficient.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air.
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of water for several minutes. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention if feeling unwell.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid. Dust can form explosive mixtures with air.
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂.
Related products
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba Wax is a natural vegetable wax obtained from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree, native to northeastern Brazil. It appears as a hard, brittle, yellow to brownish-yellow wax with a faint, characteristic odor. Known as the “queen of waxes,” Carnauba Wax is prized for its exceptionally high melting point, glossy finish, and excellent hardness. It is a premium wax widely used in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and industrial applications as a natural, biodegradable alternative to synthetic waxes. Its film-forming, emulsifying, and protective properties make it highly versatile for use in coatings, polishes, and skincare products.
Ceto Stearyl Alcohol
Ceto Stearyl Alcohol 1618TA is a high-quality fatty alcohol blend primarily composed of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols. It appears as a white, waxy solid or flakes with a mild fatty odor. This blend is widely used as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations. Ceto Stearyl Alcohol 1618TA offers excellent lubricity, thickening, and stabilizing properties, enhancing the texture, consistency, and moisturizing characteristics of creams, lotions, and hair care products. It serves as a skin conditioning agent and contributes to the structural integrity of emulsions.
Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20)
Cetomacrogol PEG (Ginonic CSA) is a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant and emulsifier with an average molecular weight of approximately 1000 Da. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or flakes with a neutral odor. This high-quality grade is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations due to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and moisturizing properties. Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20) facilitates stable oil-in-water emulsions, improves product texture and skin feel, and enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients. Its hydrophilic nature and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients make it a versatile additive in creams, lotions, ointments, and topical gels.
Cetyl Alcohol Flakes
Cetyl Alcohol Flakes is a high-purity fatty alcohol derived mainly from natural sources such as palm oil and coconut oil. Presented as white to off-white waxy flakes, this product contains at least 98% pure cetyl alcohol, ensuring consistent performance and quality. It is valued for its excellent emollient, thickening, and emulsifying properties and is widely used in personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations. The flake form facilitates easy handling, melting, and dosing in manufacturing processes. Cetyl Alcohol 98% Flakes contributes to the texture, stability, and moisturizing properties of various formulations, providing a non-greasy, smooth finish.
Cetyl Palmitate
Cetyl Palmitate is a naturally derived ester formed by the reaction of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid with a mild fatty odor. This compound is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations for its emollient, thickening, and texture-enhancing properties. Cetyl Palmitate imparts a smooth, creamy feel to products and contributes to improved stability and consistency in creams, lotions, balms, and ointments. Its film-forming and skin-conditioning attributes make it a preferred ingredient in personal care products as well as in specialty industrial applications.
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax is a highly purified, odorless, white to pale yellow wax obtained from the refining of petroleum-derived crude paraffin wax. It consists primarily of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) with chain lengths typically between C20 and C40. Due to its excellent chemical stability, non-toxicity, and versatility, Fully Refined Paraffin Wax is widely used across numerous industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food packaging, candle making, rubber processing, and electrical insulation. It exhibits a high melting point, low volatility, and good water resistance.
Jojoba Wax
Jojoba Wax is a natural, golden-yellow to amber-colored wax ester extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). Unlike traditional vegetable oils, jojoba wax is chemically a liquid wax, known for its excellent stability, moisturizing properties, and similarity to human sebum. It is odorless or mildly nutty and is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications as an emollient, thickener, and skin conditioning agent.
Olive Butter
Olive Butter is a natural, creamy, and rich emollient derived from cold-pressed olive oil combined with other natural butters (such as shea or cocoa butter) to create a luxurious skin-conditioning product. It is prized for its deep moisturizing, antioxidant-rich, and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations. Olive Butter enhances skin elasticity, provides nourishment, and forms a protective barrier against environmental stressors.

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders