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 COâ‚‚.
Related products
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Candelilla Wax
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Ceto Stearyl Alcohol
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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 Stearyl Alcohol (CSA)
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA), also known as Cetearyl Alcohol, is a blended fatty alcohol consisting primarily of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols. It appears as white to pale yellow waxy flakes or pellets with a mild fatty odor. CSA is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier. It enhances texture, improves stability, and provides a smooth, velvety skin feel in formulations. Being a non-ionic surfactant, it also aids in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and is favored for its gentle nature on the skin and hair.
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.

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