Sodium Stearate is a viscosity controller and a texture enhancer widely used in the cosmetic industry. In skin care, it also works as a fine cleansing agent as it mixes well with water and washes away the dirt residue. This ingredient can be made synthetically or derived from animal sources - typically appearing as a smooth white powder in its raw form. Further, Sodium Stearate has amazing waterproofing qualities and is often added to solid products like stick sunscreens, chapsticks, and bar soaps. The drawback to this ingredient is that it can be extremely drying on the skin if not formulated properly. The chemical formula of Sodium Stearate is C18H35NaO2.
CAS Number: 822-16-2Chem/IUPAC Name: Sodium stearateEINECS/ELINCS No: 212-490-5COSING REF No: 38064Products with SODIUM STEARATE
With samples available
Crystal SLES & SLS Free
by Brenntag Beauty & Personal Care
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
Hidrahair® Progress WP
by Chemyunion
- Sustainable option
Crystal ST
by Brenntag Beauty & Personal Care
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
What is SODIUM STEARATE used for?
Sodium Stearate is a useful ingredient in the cosmetic and personal care industry. It primarily works as a texture enhancer to help formulate quality products.
- Decorative cosmetics: Sodium Stearate controls the viscosity and acts as a binder in cosmetic products like foundations, lipsticks, and eyeshadows. It stabilizes and gives structure to these products, ensuring they maintain their desired consistency and adhere effectively to the skin for long-lasting wear
- Skin care: In skincare, sodium stearate functions as a surfactant and emulsifier. It enables the creation of stable emulsions in creams, lotions, and moisturizers, allowing the effective blending of water and oil-based ingredients. Additionally, its cleansing properties make it a key component in facial cleansers and soaps, helping to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin
Origin
Sodium Stearate is typically produced through the saponification of stearic acid, a fatty acid derived from natural sources like vegetable oils or animal fats, with sodium hydroxide. This reaction yields sodium stearate along with glycerin as a byproduct. The resulting sodium stearate is then purified and processed for use in cosmetics.
What does SODIUM STEARATE do in a formulation?
BINDING|
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYING|
SURFACTANT|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLINGSafety Profile
Sodium Stearate is generally safe for the skin when used within the recommended concentrations of 0.5 - 20%. It does not have any major adverse reactions. However, in higher concentrations, it can be drying for the skin. If not formulated properly, Sodium Stearate also leaves a residue on the skin that can clog pores. A patch test is highly recommended before widespread use.
SODIUM STEARATE alternatives
SODIUM STEARATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Melting Point | 245-255°C |
| pH | 10-11 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |