Stear-ic Acid

STE

9/10

Concern level

High concern

Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used as a thickener, structurant, co-emulsifier, and opacifying or pearlizing agent in cosmetics. It also contributes emollience and improves product body and slip. ([osha.gov](https://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/1020?utm_source=openai))

Pore-clogging

Low

Pregnancy

Safe

Regulatory

No data

Benefits

MoisturizingSupports Barrier Function

Chemical Properties

Molecular Weight

284.48 g/mol

Typical Concentration

0.50% - 15.00%

CAS Number: 57-11-4

Skin Type Compatibility

dry skin8/10

oily skin5/10

sensitive skin7/10

acne prone5/10

mature skin7/10

normal skin8/10

Interactions

incompatible with: strong alkalis can neutralize stearic acid to stearates, high loads of additional heavy emollients may increase occlusiveness

Risks & Warnings

Generally considered safe as used, but higher levels can feel heavy or occlusive and may be less suitable for very acne-prone users in richly emollient formulas. In soaps or high-alkali systems, irritation may be driven more by formulation pH than by stearic acid itself. ([cosmeticsinfo.org](https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/stearic-acid/?utm_source=openai))

Vegan Cruelty-Free

Found In Products

innisfree