Stearic Acid

Product Description

As a dedicated wholesale supplier of high-quality lipids and functional chemicals, GSS offers High Purity Stearic Acid at factory-direct prices for the global personal care market. This saturated long-chain fatty acid is a critical structural component of the human skin's intercellular lipid matrix. Beyond its traditional role as a thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer, Stearic Acid is a high-performance "skin-identical" active necessary for reconstructing the stratum corneum's lamellar structure. Our cosmetic-grade Stearic Acid is optimized for low odor and high stability, providing a reliable bulk solution for formulators targeting barrier-centric skincare.

Product Specification

• INCI Name: Stearic Acid
• Chemical Name: Octadecanoic acid
• Synonyms: Cetylacetic acid, Stearophanic acid
• CAS No.: 57-11-4
• Molecular Formula: C18H36O2
• Molecular Weight: 284.48 g/mol
• Appearance: White waxy flakes, beads, or powder
• Purity (Assay): ≥98.0% (Typically Triple Pressed Grade)
• Solubility: Soluble in hot oils, esters, and alcohols; insoluble in water
• Melting Point: 67°C – 72°C
• Grade: Cosmetic Grade / USP Grade
• Origin: China (Direct Factory Supply)

Key Benefits & Applications

• Biomimetic Barrier Reconstruction: Acts as a primary component in the skin's lipid bilayer, helping to restore the physical "seal" that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
• Emulsion Texturizing & Stabilization: Significantly improves the viscosity and stability of O/W emulsions, providing a smooth, pearlescent finish and rich skin feel.
• Lipid Replenishment: Replenishes essential fatty acids in dry or aged skin, improving overall skin suppleness and resilience against external irritants.
• Functional Versatility: Serves as a key secondary emulsifier and opacifying agent in diverse formulations.
• Applications: High-performance barrier repair creams, rich moisturizing lotions, cleansing balms, solid stick formulations, and shaving foams.

Formulation Guidelines

• Recommended Dosage: 1.0% – 5.0% for barrier repair actives; up to 10% – 20% for stick or cleansing balm structures.
• Incorporation: Must be added to the oil phase and heated to approximately 75°C until completely molten and transparent before emulsification.
• pH Stability: Stable across the typical cosmetic pH range (3.0 – 9.0).
• Compatibility/Stability Notes: Highly resistant to oxidation and rancidity. In soap-based systems, it contributes to hardness and creamy lather; in emulsions, it requires proper neutralization if used as a primary emulsifier (e.g., with TEA).
• Synergy: Combine with Ceramide NP and Cholesterol in a 1:1:3 or 1:1:1 molar ratio to recreate the "Golden Ratio" of skin-identical lipids, or with Squalane for a comprehensive lipid-replenishment system.