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Send EmailStearic Acid, Octadecanoic Acid, Stearophanic Acid, Hydrofol Acid, 1838, 1839, 1843, 1845, 1852, 1865, E570, 57-11-4
STEARIC ACID
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Stearic Acid |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | Octadecanoic Acid |
| Common Name | Stearic Acid, Stearic Acid |
| Synonyms (Turkish) | Stearik Asit, Oktadekanoik Asit, E570 |
| Synonyms (English) | Stearic Acid, Octadecanoic Acid, Stearophanic Acid, Hydrofol Acid |
| CAS Number | 57-11-4 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 200-313-4 |
| E Number | E570 (food additive) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Saturated long-chain fatty acid |
| Source | Vegetable (palm oil, coconut oil) or animal (tallow) |
| Appearance | White, waxy solid (beads, flakes, powder, lumps) |
| Odor | Slight, characteristic fatty acid odor (odorless in refined grades) |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (waxy) |
Note: Stearic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms. It occurs naturally in animal and vegetable fats as glycerides and is obtained by hydrolysis. Commercial stearic acid is typically a mixture of stearic acid and palmitic acid (C16) in equal proportions, with small amounts of oleic acid. It is a white, waxy solid and is used as a basic raw material in a very wide range of applications including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, plastics, rubber, and detergents.
SECTION 2: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
Structure Description:
CH₃—(CH₂)₁₆—COOH
Octadecanoic Acid
Stearic Acid
C₁₈H₃₆O₂
Simplified Structure:
CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COOH
Stearic Acid
(Saturated 18-carbon fatty acid)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol |
| Carbon Chain Length | 18 carbons |
| Chain Type | Saturated (single bonds) |
| Functional Groups | Carboxylic acid (-COOH) |
| SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C18H36O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20/h2-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20) |
| InChI Key | QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Hydrogen Bond Donors | 1 |
| Hydrogen Bond Acceptors | 2 |
| Rotatable Bond Count | 16 |
| Polar Surface Area (PSA) | 37.3 Ų |
| Log P (Octanol/Water) | ~7.0 (highly lipophilic) |
SECTION 3: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Test Method / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White, waxy solid (beads, flakes, powder, lumps) | Visual |
| Odor | Slight, characteristic fatty acid odor | Olfactometric |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol | Calculated |
| Melting Point | ~69 – 72 °C | DSC / Capillary |
| Boiling Point | 361 °C (decomposes) | - |
| Density (20°C) | ~0.9408 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Water Solubility (25°C) | 0.597 mg/L (practically insoluble) | General Method |
| Acetone Solubility | Readily soluble | General Method |
| Benzene, Chloroform | Readily soluble | General Method |
| Ether, Carbon Tetrachloride | Readily soluble | General Method |
| Toluene | Readily soluble | General Method |
| Ethanol Solubility | Soluble | General Method |
| Acid Value | 195 – 210 mg KOH/g | Titrimetric |
| Saponification Value | 196 – 211 mg KOH/g | Titrimetric |
| Iodine Value | ≤1.0 g I₂/100g (high purity) | Titrimetric |
| Flash Point | 196 °C | ASTM D93 |
| Stability | Highly resistant to oxidation due to saturated structure | - |
| Hygroscopicity | Low (not hygroscopic) | - |
SECTION 4: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Emulsifier and Stabilizer | Stabilizes oil-water emulsions in cosmetic creams and lotions; ensures formulation remains homogeneous. |
| Thickener and Structuring Agent | Provides hardness and desired consistency to soaps, waxes, and cosmetic products. Particularly provides hardness and foam stability in soap production. |
| Emollient | Forms a protective, soft film on the skin in skin care products. |
| Lubricant and Binder | Prevents powders from sticking to molds in pharmaceutical tablet production (lubricant) and increases tablet mechanical strength (binder). |
| Vulcanization Activator | Functions as an activator that accelerates the vulcanization reaction together with zinc oxide in the rubber industry. |
| Processing Aid and Mold Release Agent | Used as an internal lubricant and mold release agent in plastic and PVC processing; contributes to thermal stability. |
SECTION 5: COMMERCIAL CLASSIFICATION AND CODE SYSTEM
Stearic acid is classified with different commercial codes according to purity grade, C18:C16 ratio, and target industry.
| Code | Grade | Purity (%) | Form | C18 Ratio | Main Application Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1838 | Rubber Grade | 85–90 | Beads/Flakes | Moderate | PVC, rubber, tire vulcanization |
| 1839 | Cosmetic Grade | 95+ | Beads/Flakes | High | Creams, lotions, shampoos, personal care |
| 1843 | Plastic Grade | ~90 | Beads | Moderate | PE, PP, thermoplastic processing |
| 1845 | Candle Grade | ~90 | Flakes | Moderate | Candle production (brightness and hardness balance) |
| 1852 | Paint Grade | Technical | Flakes | Low | Paints and coatings (rheological stabilizer) |
| 1865 | Pharma Grade (Triple Pressed) | 98+ | Flakes | High | Pharmaceuticals, food, sensitive cosmetics (USP/EP compliant) |
Triple Pressed Stearic Acid:
The highest purity grade. Through a three-stage pressing process, color, odor, and impurities are minimized to the lowest levels. It provides low iodine value, high oxidative stability, and excellent skin compatibility. It is USP/EP compliant and suitable for pharmaceutical and food applications.
SECTION 6: INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS AND USAGE RATES
| Industry | Application | Typical Usage Rate / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Emulsifier, thickener, emollient in creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, makeup products | 1 – 25%; 5 – 15% in soaps |
| Pharmaceutical | Tablet binder and lubricant; ointment base; emulsion stabilizer | 1 – 5% (tablets); USP/EP compliant grade required |
| Food (E570) | Anti-caking agent, coating agent, solidifier in chocolate | 0.5 – 2%; food grade only |
| Rubber & Tires | Vulcanization activator, filler additive | 1 – 5 phr; Rubber Grade (1838) preferred |
| Plastic & PVC | Internal lubricant, mold release agent, thermal stabilizer | 0.5 – 3%; Plastic Grade (1843) suitable |
| Candle Production | Hardness and brightness enhancer; solidifier | 5 – 20%; Candle Grade (1845) optimized |
| Paints & Coatings | Dispersing agent, viscosity control | 1 – 5%; Paint Grade (1852) used |
| Detergents & Cleaning | Saponifier, foam stabilizer, descaling agent | 5 – 20% |
| Metal Stearate Production | Raw material for calcium, zinc, magnesium stearate production | Stoichiometric ratios |
SECTION 7: GRADE INTERCHANGEABILITY TABLE
| Interchange Scenario | Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Pressed (1865) → Cosmetic (1839) | Suitable | Same purity level, more economical alternative |
| Triple Pressed (1865) → Rubber (1838) | Not Suitable | Pharmaceutical grade is too pure and costly for vulcanization |
| Rubber (1838) → Plastic (1843) | Suitable | Interchangeable between technical grades |
| Cosmetic (1839) → Pharma (1865) | Conditional | USP/EP compliance and full purity certificate required |
| Candle (1845) → Double Pressed | Suitable | Equivalent performance in candle production |
SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (USP/EP)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White, waxy flakes or beads | Visual |
| Assay (on dried basis) | ≥98.0% (Pharma Grade) | Titration / GC |
| Melting Point | 66 – 70°C (Pharma) | DSC / Capillary |
| Acid Value | 195 – 210 mg KOH/g | Titrimetric |
| Saponification Value | 196 – 211 mg KOH/g | Titrimetric |
| Iodine Value | ≤1.0 g I₂/100g | Titrimetric |
| Ash Content | ≤0.1% | Gravimetric |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Microbiological Purity | TAMC ≤10² CFU/g; TYMC ≤10¹ CFU/g | USP <61> |
| E. coli | Negative in 1g | USP <62> |
| Salmonella spp. | Negative in 25g | USP <62> |
SECTION 9: SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Not classified as hazardous substance |
| Signal Word | None |
| Hazard Pictograms | None |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | >5000 mg/kg (very low toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity (LD50, Rabbit) | >2000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Skin Irritation | Generally not irritant |
| Eye Irritation | May cause mild irritation (dust/mechanical) |
| Skin Sensitization | Does not cause sensitization |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic |
| Reproductive Toxicity | No reproductive toxicity |
| Target Organs | Skin, eyes |
| Comedogenicity | Low-comedogenic (formulation dependent) |
| FDA Status | GRAS (21 CFR 184.1090) |
SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS Classification (in accordance with 1272/2008/EC):
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Not classified as hazardous substance | – | – |
Signal Word: None (Not classified as hazardous)
Hazard Pictograms: None
NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:
| Health | Flammability | Reactivity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 0 | - |
| (Minimal health hazard) | (Combustible) | (Stable) | (None) |
SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P264 | Wash hands thoroughly after handling |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing |
| P332+P313 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention |
| P362+P364 | Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse |
| P403+P233 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations |
SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Route of Exposure | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Dust or vapor not expected. If respiratory discomfort occurs, move to fresh air. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention. |
SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Combustible solid (Flash Point: 196°C) |
| Fire-Related Hazards | CO, CO₂ |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Water mist, CO₂, dry chemical powder, foam |
| Unsuitable Extinguishing Media | Water jet (may spread burning material) |
| Special Protective Equipment | SCBA, full protective clothing |
SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool (<30°C), dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature Limits | 15-25°C (ideal); do not exceed 30°C |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, moisture-resistant containers |
| Incompatible Materials | Heat, moisture, strong oxidizing agents, direct sunlight |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months (unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions) |
| Signs of Degradation | Darkening color, odor change, caking |
SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity / Capacity | Material | Application Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft Bag (PE Lined) | 10 kg, 25 kg | Kraft paper / PE liner | Industrial, food, cosmetic |
| HDPE Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE | Pharmaceutical, cosmetic |
| Fiber Drum (PE Lined) | 25 kg, 50 kg | Fiber / PE liner | Industrial supply |
| Big Bag | 500 kg, 1000 kg | PP / PE liner | Bulk transport |
| IBC Container | 500 kg, 1000 kg | HDPE | Large-scale industrial supply |
SECTION 16: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not applicable (not classified as dangerous substance) |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| ADR/RID | Not classified as dangerous goods |
| IMDG Code | Not marine pollutant |
| IATA (Air) | Not classified as dangerous goods; can be transported by air |
| Transport Temperature | Ambient temperature; protect from heat, moisture, and light |
| Transport Precautions | Moisture-proof packaging; keep away from oxidizing agents |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| USA (FDA) | GRAS (21 CFR 184.1090); Approved as food additive |
| European Union (EC) | Approved as food additive (E570); Approved as cosmetic ingredient |
| Turkey | Approved as food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient |
| USP/NF | Official monograph |
| EP | Official monograph |
| REACH | Registered substance |
| TSCA (USA) | Listed |
| CIR | Safe for cosmetic use |
| California (Prop 65) | Not listed |
| Halal | Yes (plant-derived, with certification) |
| Kosher | Yes (with certification) |
| Vegan | Yes (plant-derived) |
SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Stearik Asit, Oktadekanoik Asit, E570 |
| English Names | Stearic Acid, Octadecanoic Acid, Stearophanic Acid, Hydrofol Acid |
| Trade Marks | Stearic Acid 1838, 1839, 1843, 1845, 1852, 1865, Triple Pressed Stearic Acid |
| E Number | E570 |
| CAS Number | 57-11-4 |
| EC Number | 200-313-4 |
| PubChem CID | 5281 |
| FDA UNII | 4ELV7Z65AP |
| HS Code | 2915.70 |
SECTION 19: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1: What is the difference between Triple Pressed Stearic Acid and regular stearic acid? | Triple Pressed is the purest form, refined through a three-stage pressing process. It has lower iodine value (whiter, less odor, higher oxidative stability) and fewer impurities. It is preferred for skin-contact cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, and food applications. |
| Q2: Which stearic acid code should I choose? | • Cosmetics & personal care → 1839 (Cosmetic Grade) or 1865 (Pharma Grade) • Rubber & PVC → 1838 (Rubber Grade) • Plastic processing → 1843 (Plastic Grade) • Candle production → 1845 (Candle Grade) • Pharmaceuticals & food → 1865 (Pharma Grade / Triple Pressed) |
| Q3: Is stearic acid soluble in water? | No, it is practically insoluble in water (~0.6 mg/L at 25°C). However, it is readily soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, acetone, chloroform, and ether. |
| Q4: What is the role of stearic acid in soap making? | Stearic acid provides hardness to soap, improves foam quality and stability, and prevents soap from dissolving too quickly in water. |
| Q5: Is there a difference between plant-based and animal-based stearic acid? | Chemically they are identical. However, plant-based (palm oil) stearic acid is preferred for applications requiring vegan/halal/kosher certification. Today, the vast majority of commercial stearic acid is plant-derived. |
SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 57-11-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol |
| Appearance | White waxy solid |
| Melting Point | ~69 – 72 °C |
| Acid Value | 195 – 210 mg KOH/g |
| Purest Grade | Triple Pressed / Pharma Grade (1865) |
| Primary Functions | Emulsifier, thickener, emollient, lubricant, binder |
| Main Applications | Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, rubber, plastics, soap, candles |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months |
| Storage | Cool (<30°C), dry, airtight |
| GHS Signal Word | None (Not hazardous) |
| UN Number | Not applicable |
| FDA Status | GRAS |
| Halal / Kosher / Vegan | Yes (plant-derived) |
SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
Melting Temperature: Stearic acid melts at 69-72°C. It must be melted at 70-80°C before addition to formulations.
-
Correct Grade Selection: Choose the correct grade based on application. Use 1865 (Triple Pressed) for food/pharma; 1839 for cosmetics; 1838/1843/1845 for technical applications.
-
Water Insolubility: Insoluble in water; must be used in emulsions or organic solvents.
-
Source Verification: For vegan and natural products, verify that the source is plant-based (palm, coconut).
-
Oxidation: Although resistant to oxidation due to its saturated structure, antioxidants may be added for long-term storage.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
-
Addition: Add to oil phase. Melt at 70-80°C before emulsification with water phase.
-
Concentration: Cosmetic creams: 1-5%; Soaps: 5-15%; Tablets: 1-5%; Food: 0.5-2%.
-
Correct Grade Selection: Choose the correct code based on application (1838, 1839, 1843, 1845, 1852, 1865).
-
Mixing: Moderate speed mixing is sufficient for homogeneous melt.
-
Cooling: Continue mixing during slow cooling after emulsion formation.
-
Storage: Store in cool, dry, airtight containers. Protect from heat and moisture.
-
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, safety goggles (for molten material).
-
Quality Control: Regularly perform acid value, melting point, iodine value, microbiological purity tests.
-
Sustainability: Pay attention to sourcing from sustainable sources (RSPO certified palm).
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or guarantee. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
