Potassium stearate

Potassium stearate (CAS 593-29-3) is the potassium salt of stearic acid, produced by neutralizing stearic acid with potassium hydroxide. It functions as an emulsifier, lubricant, and stabilizer across personal care, industrial, and food-related manufacturing processes.

In personal care, it acts as the primary soap-forming agent in solid and liquid formulations, providing lather structure and skin-conditioning properties that define product texture.

Plastics processors use it as an internal and external lubricant and heat stabilizer, particularly in PVC compounding where it prevents degradation during high-temperature processing.

Textile and leather finishing operations apply it as a softening and surface-conditioning agent to improve handle and water resistance in treated fabrics.

In food-grade applications, it functions as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent in dry mixes, coatings, and processed food manufacturing.

Potassium stearate is supplied as a white powder or flakes, with particle size and purity varying by application grade. Food-grade material is available to FCC specification.

Cosmetic and pharmaceutical supply typically meets USP or BP standards. Technical grade is also offered for industrial lubricant and polymer applications where tighter purity thresholds are not required.