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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
Almond Wax
Almond Wax is a natural, plant-based wax derived from the hydrogenation of almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis). It is a creamy to white, semi-solid wax with a mild, nutty scent and excellent emollient properties. Almond Wax is rich in fatty acids and has a smooth, soft texture, making it ideal for use in cosmetic, personal care, and candle formulations.
Due to its gentle consistency, skin-friendly profile, and moisturizing capabilities, Almond Wax is widely used in body butters, balms, lip care products, massage bars, and artisan soaps. It functions as a natural alternative to petroleum-based waxes and provides structure, viscosity, and glide to formulations. It also finds application in soft wax blends for natural candle products.
Candelilla Wax
Candelilla Wax is a natural vegetable wax derived from the leaves of the Euphorbia cerifera shrub, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It appears as a hard, brittle, light yellow to brown wax with a mild, characteristic odor. This wax is valued for its high melting point, gloss-enhancing properties, and excellent binding capabilities. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications as a vegan alternative to beeswax. Its film-forming, emollient, and stabilizing attributes make it a multifunctional ingredient across several industries.
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
Cetyl Alcohol, also known as 1-Hexadecanol or Palmityl Alcohol, is a fatty alcohol derived primarily from natural sources such as palm oil and coconut oil. It appears as a waxy, white to pale yellow solid with a faint fatty odor. Cetyl Alcohol is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations due to its emollient, emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It helps improve texture, consistency, and moisturizing effects in personal care products. Cetyl Alcohol is compatible with many ingredients, making it a versatile multifunctional ingredient.
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.
Fatty Acid
Fatty acids are a group of carboxylic acids consisting of long aliphatic chains, which can be either saturated or unsaturated. They are typically derived from natural fats and oils through hydrolysis or saponification and appear as colorless to pale yellow liquids or solids depending on the chain length and degree of saturation. Fatty acids are fundamental building blocks in biochemistry and industrial chemistry, serving as raw materials in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, lubricants, cosmetics, plastics, and food additives. Their amphiphilic nature—containing both hydrophilic (carboxyl group) and hydrophobic (alkyl chain) components—makes them versatile for various chemical and industrial applications.
Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl Myristate is a clear, colorless, and oily liquid ester formed by the reaction of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. It has a mild, pleasant odor and excellent spreading properties. IPM is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications as an emollient, solvent, and penetration enhancer due to its ability to improve texture and absorption of topical formulations.
Lanolin Anhydrous
Lanolin Anhydrous is a purified, waxy substance derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep’s wool. It appears as a yellow to amber, semi-solid wax with a characteristic mild odor. Lanolin is highly valued for its excellent emollient, moisturizing, and protective properties, making it widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations. The anhydrous form is free from water, which enhances its stability and shelf life, and allows it to act as a natural barrier to lock moisture into the skin.
