Stearic Acid

Stearic acid, E-number E570, is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in various natural sources. The stearic acid formula is C18H36O2, stearic acid molar mass is 284.48 g/mol, and stearic acid pH is 5, it has a molar mass of 284.48 g/mol, and its pH is 5. Stearic acid is a waxy solid at room temperature with a chemical structure of a long 18-carbon chain saturated fatty acid terminated by a carboxylic acid group. It has emulsifying and thickening properties that make it useful as an additive in many cosmetic, food, and industrial applications.

• Stearic acid in food functions as an emulsifier, imparting emulsifying properties that help create stable, uniform emulsions between fat and water in products such as ice cream, whipped toppings and chocolate.
• Stearic acid provides stability to dairy products such as processed cheese, yogurt, salad dressings, and gravies by stabilizing the protein network and dispersion of fat droplets to prevent separation.
• In powders such as cocoa and cake flour, stearic acid acts as an anti-caking agent because it has surface-active properties that absorb moisture and prevent clumping.
• Stearic acid in pharmaceutical formulations as an emulsifier, producing stable oil-in-water creams and gels for topical use.
• Stearic acid is a key ingredient in bar and liquid soaps and has cleansing, lathering, and viscosity-building properties.
• Stearic acid in skin care helps bind ingredients together and improve texture and spreadability.