STEARIC ACID

Also known as: Octadecanoic acid, n-Octadecanoic acid, Stearophanic acid

STEARIC ACID

What it is

This ingredient is obtained from vegetable oils or animal fats or by synthetic means. In skin and hair care products, it exhibits good conditioning effects and it also enhances the texture of the product.

Mode of usage pertaining to the discussion below

Topical application in cosmetics and personal care products.

Safety Profile (Based on regional guidelines)

European Union – CIR Safe to use, as per current practice
European Union – SCCS Data unavailable
US FDA Data unavailable
ASEAN guidelines Data unavailable

Safety in special situations

PregnancyNot listed as an ingredient to be avoided by pregnant women based on currently available data

Nursing MothersNot listed as an ingredient to be avoided by nursing mothers based on currently available data

Babies under 2 yearsNot listed as an ingredient to be avoided in baby products based on currently available data

Children under 12 yearsNot listed as an ingredient to be avoided by children based on currently available data

Cancer freeNot listed as an ingredient to be carcinogenic or mutagenic based on currently available data

Environmental and Ecological Concerns

Vegan

Biodegradable

Ecotoxicity

Natural/Synthetic

Note

  • You may need to look at the exact product claim to know if a vegan version was used.
  • You may need to check the exact product label to know if a naturally derived ingredient was used.

Attributes

ComedogenicityRated 2–3; likely to cause occlusion depending on formulation

Acne prone skinLikely to cause occlusion — not recommended for acne prone skin

Sensitive skinMay be safe — check product formulation

Conclusion Stearic acid is safe as per the current practice of use.

References

  • https://online.personalcarecouncil.org
  • https://european-union.europa.eu
  • https://echa.europa.eu

Disclaimer

The above information is based on ongoing toxicology research at CHOSEN®'s R&D. We will do our best to update the information as and when the latest studies are available. If you have any inputs regarding the above information, please email us at ingredients@chosenstore.in