Stearic Acid — Important Characteristics of Stearic Acid
Stearic Acid can be described as a waxy, colourless, or white solid that exudes a slight odour. It is partly soluble in oil; therefore, it floats in water. Stearic Acid is a long-chain fatty acid that has an effective supply chain.
As the name suggests stearic acid was often derived from the by-products of natural animals and fats obtained during meat processing.. The stearic acid is also extracted from its natural source, Palm Oil, making it a safer alternative to chemicals used in cosmetic products.
Characteristics of Stearic Acid
Lower Absorption Coefficient
Stearic Acid may be used to form the basis of other ingredients, such as lubricants, emollients, and emulsifiers, which are meant to be integrated into formulations. Stearic Acid is a powerful emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and softener that contributes to a cooling skin sensation. The addition of a pearly finish to lubricants is also established.
Thickener
Stearic acid derivatives act as thickeners when applied to soap formulations that help harden the liquids into solids, removing the thin and runny feeling of watered-down soaps. Their surfactant activity helps lower oils’ surface tension, making it easier to blend well with oil and water molecules. Stearic Acid acts in this manner to ensure that emulsions do not separate into discrete layers of water and oil. This helps increase the effectiveness of a commodity as well as its shelf life. This also suggests that final goods with Stearic Acid do not have to be shaken as vigorously before they are used.
Best For Skin and Hair
Stearic Acid works on the skin and in the hair to remove excess grease, sweat, and grime. Besides formulas for soap bars, face and body wash, shampoos, and even laundry detergents, this cleaning property makes it beneficial. Stearic Acid leaves the finished product enriched with conditioning properties and lasts longer due to its preservative property. When applied to shampoo formulations that help to leave the hair feeling smooth, light, and lustrous, Stearic Acid acts as a protective conditioner. When applied to lotion formulations, Stearic Acid acts as a thickening agent that adds richness to the texture of the finished product.
Act As a Hardener
Stearic Acid acts as a hardener when applied to recipes for paraffin candles. The more challenging the wax, the longer the flame will take to melt it, resulting in a candle that will last longer. Stearic Acid causes the wax to shrink as it cools down; it also allows the finished product from a mould to be quickly released. In addition, its pacifying properties help to increase the colours or dyes added. Stearic Acid’s fat cells attached to the scent of an added perfume, being a fragrance component, keep it from seeping out of the candle, which helps the fragrance last longer.