Stearic acid has broad use in both soap, skin care and candles.  It can be a very cost-effective addition as it can replace, or part-replace, butters in formulations.

In soap, stearic acid contributes to hardness and helps to produce a creamy, more stable lather.

In creams, lotions and even anhydrous products, it can increase thickness and density as well as help to stabilise an emulsion.  It has a lovely skin-feel and an excellent emollient, so leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.

Stearic acid should be melted with the oil phase of a formulation but, because it is a fatty acid and not an oil, it can be useful in helping to reduce the greasy feel of some skin care products.

Usage: 2-10%