Stearic Acid
Stearic Acid (Triple Pressed) is a high-purity, saturated fatty acid derived primarily from vegetable fats. The triple pressing process enhances its purity, resulting in a fine, waxy solid with excellent consistency and reduced impurities. It is widely used as an emulsifier, thickener, and surfactant in various industries, providing stability and texture to products ranging from cosmetics to rubber and plastics.
Uses
Primary Uses
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Emulsifier & Thickener: Used in creams, lotions, soaps, and deodorants to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
- Surfactant: Acts as a cleansing agent in personal care products.
Rubber & Plastics Industry
- Processing Aid: Enhances the processing and quality of rubber and plastic products.
- Lubricant: Used as an internal lubricant during polymer extrusion.
Candle Manufacturing
- Hardener: Provides hardness and opacity to candles.
Pharmaceuticals
- Excipient: Used in tablet coatings and suppositories as a lubricant and binding agent.
Secondary Uses
Food Industry
- Additive: Used as an anti-caking and release agent in food processing.
Metal Industry
Metal Release Agent: Prevents metals from sticking during forging and casting processes.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Octadecanoic acid
- Common/Trade Name: Stearic Acid (Triple Pressed)
- CAS Number: 57-11-4
- HS Code: 2915.11.00
- Synonyms: Stearic acid, octadecanoic acid
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (waxy flakes or powder)
- Color & Odor: White; faint fatty odor
- Melting Point: 69-70 °C
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol and ether
- Density: Approx. 0.94 g/cm³
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from oxidizing agents
- Container Type: Bags, drums, or bulk containers
- Shelf Life: 24 months when stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust generation and exposure to heat sources
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Food grade compliant with FDA and EU food safety standards
- Produced under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Complies with REACH and other relevant chemical regulations
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic toxicity
Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and dust mask recommended during handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation; avoid dust inhalation
- Storage Measures: Keep container tightly closed and dry
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical help if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical assistance
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if necessary
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and other harmful fumes

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
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
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