Stearic acid

Stearic acid is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, plastics, oil pastel, cosmetics and for softening rubber.

Stearic acid

Stearic acid emulsifies by breaking the surface tension of the items to be emulsified. The ability of stearic acid to combine water and oil with dirt make it especially useful in cleansers where the oils and water can remove dirt and build up from the skin.

Characteristics

Stearic acid is a naturally occurring fat that occurs in our own skin naturally, it has excellent thickening properties and helps provide a luxurious and complete feel to a finished product, removing that ‘watery’ feeling, whilst providing some preservative properties to your finished product.

Latin Name

Stearic acid

Cas Number

57-11-4

Origin

Vegetable derived

How to use

Heat the Stearic acid to 60c – 70c within the oill stage of your formulations. Ensure the Stearic acid is fully dissolved into your oil stage (use agitation if required) in order to minimise the risk of graininess in your final formulation.

Recommended Usage Level

0 – 6%

Maximum Usage Level

25%

Products to Use in

• Moisture Cream
• Moisture Lotion
• Body Butter
• Cleanser
• Face Mask
• Skin Peels
• Shower Gel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Candles
• Soaps

Precautions

At pure usage levels it can cause irritation to the skin.

When blending always take the following precautions:

• Use gloves (disposable are ideal)
• Take care when handling hot oils
• Wear eye protection
• Work in a well ventilated room
• Keep ingredients and hot oils away from children
• If ingested, seek immediate medical advice
• If contact made with eyes, rinse immediately with clean warm water and seek medical advice if in any doubt.

Safety First

In addition to our precautions and general safety information, we always recommend keeping a first aid kit nearby. You are working with hot water and oils, accidents can happen, so always be prepared!