Structure builders
Stearic acid
It can reinforce the oil phase or react with an alkali to form soap in situ, so its behavior depends strongly on the surrounding system.
- INCI
- STEARIC ACID
- CAS
- 57-11-4
- Also known as
- octadecanoic acid
- Function
- Structure builders
Ingredient answer
What is Stearic acid?
Stearic acid is a waxy long-chain fatty acid used to increase body, opacity, payoff, and structure in creams, sticks, soaps, and cleansers.
Formulation behavior
How it works inside a formula
Account for neutralization, crystallization, drag, cooling profile, and grade composition when tuning the finished texture.
Where it appears
Common product contexts
- creams and lotions
- gels
- cleansers and conditioners
Practical caution
What to keep in view
Hydration, processing order, electrolytes, pH, and shear can materially change performance.
Take the ingredient into a working formula.
Keep supplier details, percentages, compliance checks, and batch records inside your private Formuley workspace.