Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid MSDS

State: Waxy solid Flakes

Color: White or yellowish

Synonyms: 1-heptadecanecarboxylic acid, cetylacetic acid, stearophanic acid, n-octadecylic acid and n-octadecanoate

Uses: Stearic Acid can be used in making cosmetics, candles, foods, oil pastels, dietary supplements, plastics and softening rubber. In soap making it is used to harden soaps, especially soaps made with vegetable oil. It can also be found in toothpastes and deodorant. Stearic Acid is used to bind, stabilize and thicken creams and lotions and is the premier choice for most body care product manufacturers. Stearic Acid should be used to thicken lotions and creams at about 2-5%.

In cosmetics, the esters of Stearic Acid can be used in addition to glycol distearate, ethylene glycol and glycol stearate to create a pearlescent effect. This pearlescent effect is used in soaps, shampoos and other cosmetic products. While the product is in molten form these ingredients are added and then allowed to crystallize in controlled conditions.

Stearic Acid is used in the manufacturing of shortenings, spreads, cream bases for baked products and margarines. It is also in cocoa butter and beef fat. Along with corn syrup or sugar it can be used as a hardener in candies. It is used in the packaging of foods as well.

When eaten, Stearic Acid does not appear to increase the cholesterol levels in the blood, unlike most of the saturated fats,. This is because enzymes in the liver convert it to an unsaturated fat during the digestive process.

Stearic Acid can be used in fireworks to coat metal powders such as iron and aluminum. This coating prevents the oxidation of these powders so the compositions can be stored for longer amounts of time. Stearic Acid is also commonly used as a lubricant in the pressing of ceramic powders and injection molding.

Recipe/Process: Connie’s Canadian Cream

• 24 grams emulsifying wax
• 14.4 grams glycerin
• 4.8 grams citric acid
• 72 grams jojoba oil
• 1 fluid dram of bergamot fragrance oil
• 345.6 grams water

In a heat safe container combine all of the ingredients. Heat in the microwave for 1.5 minutes which is until the water will boil or change into a milky white. Remove the mixture from the microwave and with an immersion style blender blend for 15 seconds. Add the fragrance oil to the mixture, blending again to make sure that it is thoroughly combined in the mix. From the surface of the mixture be sure to skim any bubbles. While the cream is still very hot, pour it into about 8 2 fl oz cosmetic jars.

Odor: Fatty or oily scent

Natural: Stearic Acid is mainly found in animal and vegetable fats and oils and is a saturated fat. Of the long-chain fatty acids, Stearic Acid is the most common. Stearic Acid is extracted through treating animal fat with water. This occurs at a high temperature and high pressure. This causes the hydrolysis of triglycerides. Extraction can also occur through the hydrogenation of some of the unsaturated vegetable oils. The stearic acid that is most commonly used is a mix of palmitic acid and stearic acid. Purified stearic acid is also available. Stearic Acid is insoluble in water.

Shelf Life: Indefinite or 5+ years

Storage Directions: Store in a tightly closed container and under warm to cold temperature ranging from between 36 to 104 F.

Cautions: Can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation and can form combustible dust concentrations within the air. If irritation develops or you have difficulty breathing get medical attention. If swallowed give large amounts of water to drink unless the person is unconscious and get medical attention.

Purchasing: You can buy wholesale Stearic Acid by the pound at SoapGoods.com, your favorite supplier for pure Stearic Acid. This is only part of the extensive selection of wholesale aromatherapy, cosmetic, soap and craft making products available at SoapGoods.com. Be sure to check out our entire selection!