Stearic acid
CAS 57-11-4
EC 200-313-4
Formula C18H36O2
MW 284.48 g/mol
Oils, Fats & Waxes Personal Care & CosmeticsPlastics & PolymersLubricants & MetalworkingFood & NutritionTextile, Leather & Paper LubricationEmulsification & DispersionRheology ModificationAntioxidant & Stabilizer
Description
Stearic acid (CAS 57-11-4) is a saturated C18 fatty acid derived from animal or vegetable fats, commercially available under trade names including Kam 1000, Kam 2000, and Kam 3000, and referenced in flavour applications under FEMA 3035. It carries no E-number designation in the EU but is recognised under EC number 200-313-4.
In personal care formulations, stearic acid functions as an emulsifier and thickener by orienting at oil-water interfaces to stabilise cream and lotion systems. In PVC processing, it acts as an internal lubricant and heat stabiliser, reducing polymer-to-metal friction and delaying thermal degradation during extrusion. In metalworking, it serves as a base component in drawing compounds and solid lubricants.
Stearic acid is supplied in food-grade (FCC), cosmetic, and technical grades, with pharmaceutical material available to Ph.Eur. specification. It is fully registered under REACH and sourced in both animal-derived and RSPO-certified palm-based variants. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk.
In personal care formulations, stearic acid functions as an emulsifier and thickener by orienting at oil-water interfaces to stabilise cream and lotion systems. In PVC processing, it acts as an internal lubricant and heat stabiliser, reducing polymer-to-metal friction and delaying thermal degradation during extrusion. In metalworking, it serves as a base component in drawing compounds and solid lubricants.
Stearic acid is supplied in food-grade (FCC), cosmetic, and technical grades, with pharmaceutical material available to Ph.Eur. specification. It is fully registered under REACH and sourced in both animal-derived and RSPO-certified palm-based variants. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 69.4 °C |
| Boiling Point | 232 °C @ Press: 15 Torr |
| Density | 0.9408 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | white flakes |
| Color | White |
| Odor | odorless mild fatty |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | 0.1-1 g/100 mL at 23 ºC |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 173.7 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4299 |
| Log P | 8.22 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS07 GHS06 GHS09
H
H301H315H400
P
P264P270P273P280P321P330P391P405P501P301+P316P302+P352P332+P317P362+P364
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 38231100 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
Octadecanoic acidOLAFFA(18:0)octadecoic acidKam 2000Kam 1000Kam 3000
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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