Very Disliked
Stearic Acid
Hydrating
Some ingredients help hydrate the skin by either drawing in moisture or preventing it from escaping. They're often used to keep skin feeling soft, smooth, and well-balanced.
Can worsen Oily Skin
Some ingredients are known to potentially contribute to excess oil or shine, but they don't affect everyone the same way. Skin can be oily for many reasons, so it's always a good idea to consider your unique skin needs when choosing products.
May feed Fungal Acne
Non-fungal acne-safe products contain ingredients that can worsen fungal acne. If you suspect fungal acne, consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis.
Explained
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
- Emulsifier: helps water and oil blend into a stable product
- Surfactant: mild cleansing ingredient
- Masking: reduces unwanted odor in a product
- Thickening agent: provides a smooth and spreadable texture
- Emollient: conditions and softens the skin
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
See all 12,137 products with Stearic Acid
What it does
Cleansing
To free from dirt, contamination, or impurities
Emulsifying
The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
Emulsion Stabilising
Stabiliziing emulsion, making two non-mixable ingredients stable
Masking
Obscuring or blocking
Surfactant
When added to liquid, surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants
Prevalence
Somewhat common
Percentage of products that contain it
9.3%
Top categories
Moisturizers
Makeup
Cleansers
Position
Predominant list placement
Top 25%
References
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
79070
INCI Name
STEARIC ACID
INN Name
stearic acid
EC #
 200-313-4
All Functions
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Refatting, Surfactant
