General-purpose fatty acid combining emulsifying, solidifying, and lubricating properties | Stearic acid

What is Stearic Acid?

A Representative Higher Fatty Acid Supporting Cosmetics, Plastics, Rubber, and Industrial Applications

Introduction

Stearic acid (Stearic Acid) is an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid (C18:0) and a representative naturally derived fatty acid widely found in animal and vegetable fats and oils.

For many years, it has been used in a wide range of fields such as cosmetics, personal care products, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants, and is positioned as one of the basic raw materials supporting modern manufacturing.

As demand for vegetable oil-derived grades increases, it is also attracting attention as a sustainable oleochemical raw material.

1. What is Stearic Acid?

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid primarily found in fats and oils such as palm oil and beef tallow.

At room temperature, it is a white solid with wax-like properties, making it useful for improving product hardness and maintaining shape.

Furthermore, due to its carboxyl group and long hydrocarbon chain, it exhibits emulsifying and surfactant properties, making it a fatty acid applicable to various uses.

2. Basic Information

3. Features of Stearic Acid

3-1. Excellent Emulsifying and Dispersing Performance

Stearic acid has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups within its molecule, allowing it to act at interfaces and exhibit excellent performance as an emulsifier and dispersant.

Therefore,

• Skincare products
• Cosmetics
• Soaps
• Detergents

and the like are widely adopted.

Benefits

✓ Maintains stable emulsified state

✓ Prevents product separation

✓ Improves cream texture

3-2. Wax Properties (Solidification/Hardening)

Its relatively high melting point and solid state at room temperature contribute to improved product hardness and shape retention.

Examples of Use

• Candles
• Waxes
• Creams
• Stick cosmetics

3-3. Improved Lubricity and Processability

Due to the lubricity characteristic of long-chain fatty acids, it exhibits excellent performance in the processing of resins and rubbers.

Effects

• Friction reduction
• Improved moldability
• Improved mold release properties
• Improved production efficiency

3-4. Wide Range of Raw Material Applicability

Since stearic acid can be manufactured from naturally derived raw materials, it is suitable for recent environmental initiatives and sustainability requirements.

Examples of compatible grades:

　・Plant-derived grades

　・RSPO compliant products

　・Cosmetic grades

　・Industrial grades

4. Main Applications

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Stearic acid is one of the most widely used fatty acids in cosmetic applications.

Examples of Use

• Face creams
• Lotions
• Cleansers
• Hair conditioners
• Makeup products

Expected Effects

• Improved feel/texture
• Viscosity adjustment
• Emulsion stabilization
• Improved shape retention

Plastics and Resins

In resin processing, it is used as a lubricant and mold release agent.

Examples of Use

• PVC processing
• PE
• PP
• ABS resin

Expected Effects

• Improved processability
• Improved mold release properties
• Improved surface quality

Rubber Industry

It is used as an important processing aid in rubber compounding.

Examples of Use

• Tires
• Industrial rubber products
• Sealing materials

Expected Effects

• Improved dispersibility
• Assistance in vulcanization reaction
• Improved processability

Pharmaceutical and Food Fields

High-purity grades are also used in pharmaceutical applications.

Examples of Use

• Tablet lubricant
• Additive raw material
• Pharmaceutical intermediate

Industrial Applications

It is used as a constituent raw material for a wide range of industrial products.

Examples of Use

• Metal stearate raw material
• Lubricant additive
• Cutting oil additive
• Rust inhibitor
• Waxes

5. Representative Products Derived from Stearic Acid

Stearic acid is used as a raw material for various metal soaps.

Main Derivatives

6. Manufacturing Method

Stearic acid is mainly manufactured from the following raw materials:

Raw Materials

• Palm oil
• Palm stearin
• Beef tallow
• Other animal and vegetable fats and oils

Manufacturing Process

Fat/Oil Raw Material ↓ Hydrolysis ↓ Fatty Acid Recovery ↓ Distillation Purification ↓ Stearic Acid Product

The manufactured fatty acids are separated into various grades according to purity and application.

7. Safety

Stearic acid is generally known as a substance with low toxicity.

However, the following precautions should be observed during handling:

Precautions

• Prevent dust inhalation
• Prevent eye contact
• Wear appropriate protective equipment
• Manage based on SDS

8. Legal Information in Japan

※Please refer to the latest SDS for the most up-to-date legal regulations.

9. Future Market Trends

In recent years, the demand for plant-derived stearic acid has been expanding due to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly raw materials.

Particularly,

• Personal care market
• Sustainable chemicals
• Bio-based materials
• Environmentally friendly resins

adoption is progressing in these fields.

Furthermore, compliance with RSPO certification and traceability requirements is expected to become increasingly important in the future.

Summary

Stearic acid (Stearic Acid) is,

"a representative higher fatty acid combining emulsifying, solidifying, and lubricating properties"

and is utilized in a wide range of fields such as cosmetics, resins, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.

As a naturally derived and high-functional oleochemical raw material, it will continue to be one of the important materials supporting a sustainable society.

SHOEI TRADING (THAILAND) CO., LTD.
Oleochemical Solutions for Industry
The power of chemistry for a better future.

Registration Date: May 26, 2026

Update Date: October 6, 2026