STEARIC ACID- ▸ Emulsifier & thickener: cosmetic creams and lotions
- ▸ Soap & grease base: soaps and metallic-stearate greases
- ▸ Rubber vulcanization activator
- ▸ Plastics lubricant & stabilizer
- ▸ Coatings & candles: alkyd/epoxy resins, waterproofing and candles
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Stearic acid is a saturated C18 fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic creams and lotions and as the base for soaps and metallic-stearate soaps and greases. It is an activator in rubber vulcanization, a lubricant and stabilizer in plastics, and a raw material for candles, waterproofing agents and alkyd and epoxy coating resins. Pharmaceutical grades are used in tablet coatings, ointments and suppository bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for stearic acid?
Stearic acid is also known by its IUPAC name octadecanoic acid (CAS 57-11-4). It is the C18 saturated fatty acid, formula C18H36O2. Commercial grades are sometimes specified by purity, such as single-pressed or triple-pressed stearic acid.
What is stearic acid used for?
Stearic acid is used as an emulsifier and thickener in creams and lotions, a hardener in candles and soaps, a processing aid and activator in rubber compounding, a lubricant and release agent in plastics, and a feedstock for metallic stearates and surfactants. RawSource supplies it as a bulk raw material for these applications.
What is the formula and structure of stearic acid?
Stearic acid is octadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)16COOH, molecular formula C18H36O2, a straight-chain saturated 18-carbon fatty acid with a terminal carboxylic-acid group. CAS is 57-11-4. Assay and grade (e.g., C18 content) are documented on the CoA.
What grades of stearic acid are available?
Stearic acid is commonly supplied in grades defined by purity and C16/C18 ratio, such as single-pressed, double-pressed, and triple-pressed, with vegetable- or tallow-derived feedstock options. Available grades depend on current sourcing; confirm the C18 content and origin when requesting a quote.
What is the cost of bulk stearic acid?
Bulk stearic acid pricing depends on grade, feedstock origin, volume, and packaging (bags, super sacks, or flake/bead form). RawSource does not publish a fixed price; request a bulk quote with your target grade and volume for current pricing and lead time. CoA and SDS accompany each shipment.