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Stearic acid

Stearic acid is used in making candles, soaps, cosmetic formulations and rubber.

Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₃₆O₂

Other names: cetylacetic acid, octadecanoic acid, stearophanic acid, 1-heptadecarboxylic acid

Layman's explanation: Stearic acid is white leaflets, slightly yellow crystal masses or a white to slightly yellow powder. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in low percentages in cotton, coconut, palm kernel, corn, palm, castor, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, herring, and tallow oils. It is also one of the fat components found in the cocoa butter of chocolate. It is prepared synthetically by hydrogenation of cottonseed and other vegetable oils or by treating animal fat with water at a high pressure and temperature. Stearic acid is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, and for softening synthetic rubber. It is also a component of cosmetic formulations, pharmaceuticals creams and vanishing lotion. Stearic acid is practically nontoxic but the dust is irritating to eyes, nose, and throat and the solid is irritating to skin and eyes.

Keywords: rubber, cosmetics, candles, soaps

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