STEARIC ACID (Stearic acid) – function in cosmetics

A fatty acid used in creams and soaps.

What it is

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many vegetable and animal fats. It thickens and stabilises emulsions and forms soap when neutralised.

Where it is used

Found in creams, lotions, cleansers, shaving products and soaps.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Its role depends on the formula: it may act as an emulsifier, thickener or soap base.

Functions

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – emulsifying

Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Emulsion stabilising

Helping the process of emulsification and improving emulsion stability and shelf-life.

Fragrance

Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.

Refatting

Replenishing the lipids of the hair or of the top layers of the skin.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

STEARIC ACID

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (1853)