Stearic Acid (Octadecanoic Acid)
What is Stearic Acid?
Pronounced `stē-ˈer-ik, also known as Octadecanoid Acid, is a fatty acid naturally derived from plants and animals. It’s used mainly as a surfactant (helps reduce surface tension of liquid). Typically added to cleansers, haircare products, cleaning products and moisturizers.
What will it do?
Most commonly used in soaps and cleansers. Stearic Acid, when added to skincare, acts as an emulsifier, thickener and surfactant. Basically helping the texture and efficacy of the products it’s added to. When used in skincare it not only helps lock in moisture but it also does a good job of pulling dirt and oil from the skin. While this ingredient typically gives products a chick creamy texture it’s not known to clog pores.
Tip
This ingredient is great to have in a product if you react negatively to oils.
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