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Moumoujus

STEARIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 57-11-4 / CLEANSING, EMULSION STABILISING, FRAGRANCE, REFATTING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Stearic acid is a naturally occurring long-chain fatty acid critical for maintaining skin health. It effectively enhances skin hydration, fortifies the skin barrier, and aids in gentle cleansing, making it a foundational ingredient in diverse skincare formulations.

Summary

emollient emulsifier emulsion stabilising cleansing thickener

Science

Mechanism of Action

Stearic acid functions primarily as an emollient by forming a thin, occlusive layer on the skin's surface, which efficiently traps moisture and reduces transepidermal water loss. This action promotes skin hydration and strengthens the skin barrier by reinforcing its natural lipid structure. As a surfactant, it lowers the surface tension of oils, enabling more effective removal of dirt and debris. Furthermore, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe dry skin conditions.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 2–18%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies conducted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reported no primary or cumulative irritation or sensitization when Stearic Acid was tested in product formulations at concentrations up to 13%.
  2. 02 The CIR Expert Panel further concluded Stearic Acid to be safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 18%.
  3. 03 The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union determined Stearic Acid is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 2%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 5.5 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

Stearic acid itself maintains a pH between 5.5 and 6 and exhibits optimal stability around pH 6. While formulations containing stearic acid can be effective around pH 4, it is crucial to avoid its use in higher pH environments, such as certain hair color products, due to incompatibility with strong oxidizers and strong bases.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizers
  • strong bases
  • high pH formulations

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
18%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has deemed Stearic Acid safe for cosmetic use up to 18% concentration, provided products are formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The SCCS of the European Union has a more conservative safety assessment, approving its use up to 2%. Stearic Acid is also recognized by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for direct food additives.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Stearic Acid is a highly valuable multi-functional fatty acid, recognized for its safety and broad compatibility across all skin types, effectively enhancing hydration, barrier integrity, and cleansing efficacy in precision skincare formulations.

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