Origin: Vegetable Derived - Typically Palm.
Stearic acid is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, plastics, oil pastel, cosmetics and for softening rubber. Stearic acid is used to harden soaps, particulary those made with vegetable oil, that otherwise tend to be very soft.
Although stearic acid is called an acid it is very different to lactic and fruit acids in as much as it is a waxy solid. It is obtained from Palm Oil and are used as wax components in creams to provide increased consistency and skin protection. It may also be reacted with an alkali to form a soap as an emulsifier (Alkali such as Sodium Hydroxide with the Stearic Acid would give you Sodium Stearate and Water.
Stearic Acid is often added to creamy cleansers to increase the viscosity, improve the skin feel and boost the creaminess of the foam.
Use levels: 0.1-1% typically.
Manufacturing Notes: Add into the oil phase and heat thoroughly. Stearic Acid doesn't melt until 69-71C and can cause granulation in your finished product if not properly mixed in.
New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. does not supply food grade raw materials and therefore cannot waive GST.
Prior to use: Customers should always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet / Specification Sheet OR the ingredients label as affixed to each product which are current at the time of supply of the product.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Individuals receiving this information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose or use.
As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. as to the fitness for any use. The liability of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.