Potassium stearate

Potassium stearate (CAS 593-29-3) is the potassium salt of stearic acid, produced by neutralizing stearic acid with potassium hydroxide.

Where is Potassium stearate used?

• Personal care: primary soap-forming agent in solid and liquid formulations, providing lather structure and skin-conditioning properties
• Plastics: internal and external lubricant and heat stabilizer in PVC compounding, preventing degradation during high-temperature processing
• Textile and leather finishing: softening and surface-conditioning agent improving handle and water resistance
• Food-grade applications: emulsifier and anti-caking agent in dry mixes, coatings, and processed food manufacturing
• It functions as an emulsifier, lubricant, and stabilizer across personal care, industrial, and food-related manufacturing.

Commercial specifications

• White powder or flakes; particle size and purity vary by application grade
• Cosmetic and pharmaceutical supply typically meets USP or BP standards
• Technical grade for industrial lubricant and polymer applications where tighter purity thresholds are not required