What does stearic acid do to the skin?
Stearic acid is an emollient, meaning it works by softening and smoothing the skin. (Other examples of common emollients include jojoba oil, ceramides, and squalane.) In short, this is why it's used to add moisturizing properties to products, explains Madfes.
How does stearic acid affect the body?
Take-home messages:
- Stearic acid has been shown to promote visceral fat loss in mice
- Stearic acid activates mitochondrial function in humans
- It’s plausible that stearic acid could be a useful tool for weight loss in humans
- Chocolate and animal fats are the best sources of dietary stearic acid
Is stearic acid a natural ingredient?
Stearic acid is naturally found as a chemical constituent in a variety of animal and vegetable sources. Two of these plant sources are cocoa butter and shea butter; cocoa butter and shea butter are perhaps the most popular types of aromatherapy butters used in aromatherapy product making.
What is the purpose of stearic acid?
Benefits of using stearic acid for the skin
- Stearic acid-containing cream. Some research has shown that creams containing docosanol and stearic acid can help with skin lesions in mice.
- Shea butter. A different example is shea butter, which contains stearic acid. ...
- Coconut oil. ...
- Effects on sensitive skin. ...
Where is stearic acid usually found?
In nature stearic acid occurs primarily as a mixed triglyceride, or fat, with other long-chain acids and as an ester of a fatty alcohol. It is much more abundant in animal fat than in vegetable fat; lard and tallow often contain up to 30 percent stearic acid.
Is olive oil a stearic acid?
Stearic Acid (C18:0), a saturated fatty acid that makes up 0.5 to 5% of olive oil.
What is the common name for stearic acid?
Octadecanoic acidStearic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid. It is also called Octadecanoic acid or Stearophanic acid. It is usually found in various plants and animal fats. It is majorly found as a component of shea butter and cocoa butter.
What does stearic acid do to your body?
Softens the skin: Moisturizing ingredients typically fall into three categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Stearic acid is an emollient, meaning it works by softening and smoothing the skin. (Other examples of common emollients include jojoba oil, ceramides, and squalane.)
Which oils are high in stearic acid?
The high–stearic acid fat was composed of 9.0% palm oil, 5.5% safflower oil, 5.0% olive oil, 33.5% cocoa butter, 18.0% high– oleic acid sunflower oil, and 29.0% glycerol tristearate.
Is coconut oil high in stearic acid?
The main dietary source of stearic acid is animal fat. The levels of stearic acid are usually low in plant fat, with the exception of coconut oil, cocoa butter, and palm kernel oil.
What foods are high in stearic acid?
Major food sources of stearic acid for adults are meat/ poultry/fish, grain products, and milk/milk products (Table 1). Fats rich in stearic acid include cocoa butter (typically consumed as chocolate), mutton tallow, beef tallow, lard, and butter.
Are eggs high in stearic acid?
The highest level of palmitic acid (26.862%) and the lowest of oleic acid (46.201%) were observed in oil of egg cooked in microwave oven (p < 0.05; Fig. 5). Additionally, the maximum stearic acid content (9.079%) and the minimum linoleic acid (9.822%) and linolenic acid (0.113%) levels were found in this oil of egg.
What is stearic acid in vitamins?
Stearic acid is commonly used as a binder in tablets (think of how you might use eggs as a binder to mix with flour during baking). It also has lubricant properties. Magnesium stearate is a lubricant, and the most common ingre- dient used in tablet formulations.
Can you eat stearic acid?
Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that stearic acid (19g/day) in the diet has beneficial effects on thrombogenic and atherogenic risk factors in males. The food industry might wish to consider the enrichment of foods with stearic acid in place of palmitic acid and trans fatty acids.
Is stearic good for health?
Saturated fatty acids in general, and palmitic acid (C16:0) in particular, are harmful in part because they elevate LDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis risk7. Dietary stearic acid (C18:0), however, does not increase atherosclerosis risk, and, if anything, actually reduces LDL cholesterol7–10.
Is stearic acid a vitamin C?
Ascorbyl stearate (C24H42O7) is an ester formed from ascorbic acid and stearic acid. In addition to its use as a source of vitamin C, it is used as an antioxidant food additive in margarine (E number E305).
What is a substitute for stearic acid?
Lecithin is another emulsifier that can be a substitute for stearic acid. Lecithin is a soybean product good at binding water; it is usually found in cosmetics like lotions and shampoos.
What foods contain stearic acid?
Major food sources of stearic acid for adults are meat/ poultry/fish, grain products, and milk/milk products (Table 1). Fats rich in stearic acid include cocoa butter (typically consumed as chocolate), mutton tallow, beef tallow, lard, and butter.
Are there different types of stearic acid?
Types of Stearic Acid and their Difference It can be classified into two types if based on the sources: animal and vegetable-based types. Meanwhile, per the purity degree or manufacturing process, it can also be divided into three types, that is one, double and triple pressed stearic acid.
What is vegetable stearic acid?
Stearic acid is a vegetable wax; a waxy oil fraction that acts as a food-grade machine lubricant to help fill capsules efficiently when a dry powdered ingredient (or ingredient mix) is uncooperative; based on issues involving density, stickiness, flowability under pressure, etc.
Where does stearic acid come from?
It’s sourced most often from animal fats, including tallow and lard, or cocoa butter and shea butter.
What Is Stearic Acid? Where Is It Found?
Stearic acid (SA), sometimes also called octadecanoic acid, is a saturated long-chain fatty acid. It’s present in humans, animals and some plants.
What is the most common source of stearic acid?
Fatty meats, such as pork or beef — an article published in the American Journal of Nutrition states that beef is the most common source of dietary stearic acid in the United States, since its roughly 19 percent stearic acid. Coconut oil. Palm kernel oil.
What is magnesium stearate?
Additionally, it is found in some supplements, including magnesium stearate, which is a combination of stearic acid and the mineral magnesium.
How many carbon atoms are in stearic acid?
When you eat foods that contain fat there’s a good chance you’re consuming stearic acid in small amounts. It’s a saturated fat with 18 carbon atoms and relatively common in the human diet, according to research.
Which fatty acids are found in animal fats?
Many fat-containing foods, both plants and those that come from animals, contain saturated fatty acids — including stearic, lauric, myristic, oleic and palmitic acids. Animal fats are higher in stearic acid than most plants that contain oils.
What does SA do to your skin?
It helps remove dirt, bacteria and other substances from the surface of skin. SA also gives a creamy and “waxy” feel to body care products.
Where is stearic acid found?
Stearic acid is found in low percentages in cotton, coconut, palm kernel, corn, palm, castor, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, herring, and tallow oils (2). This compound is a carboxylic acid that is also known as a fully saturated long chain fatty acid; fatty acids were first isolated by the hydrolysis of naturally occurring fats (3). Fatty acids are widely distributed in nature as components of animal and vegetable fats (3) including lipids such as oils and fats, waxes, sterol esters and other minor compounds (4).
What is stearic acid?
Stearic acid is a white solid with a mild odor. Floats on water. (USCG, 1999)
How is stearic acid made?
Commercially it is produced by the hydrogenation of the unsaturated 18-carbon fatty acids of soybean, cottonseed or other vegetable oils. When obtained from animal fats by hydrolysis and fractional crystallization, commercial stearic acid is a mixture of solid organic acids, chiefly palmitic and stearic acids. Commercial products containing about 90% stearic acid are produced by hydrolysis and crystallization of a completely hydrogenated vegetable oil or by fractional distillation of fatty acid mixtures obtained from tallow.
What is the pesticide code for stearic acid?
For stearic acid (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 079082) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
What is stearic acid in body wash?
A mild moisturizing body wash with stearic acid, a key component of corneum lipids, and emollient soybean oil has been introduced in the market place. The objectives of this study are to determine the amount and the location of the stearic acid in the corneum after in vivo cleansing by the formulation. Clinical cleansing studies for one and five consecutive days were carried out with the formulation containing soybean oil or petroleum jelly (PJ). The free stearic acid in it was replaced by the fully deuterated variant. The amounts of stearic acid in 10 consecutive corneum tape strips were measured by liquid chromatograph-mass spectroscopy. Separately, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements were taken with a porcine skin after a wash by the soybean oil formulation with its free fatty acid replaced by its spin probe analogue, 5-doxyl stearic acid. Deuterated stearic acid was detected in all 10 consecutive layers of stratum corneum and the total amount after five washes with the soybean oil formulation was 0.33 ug/sq cm. The spin probe in cleanser-treated skin was incorporated in a partially ordered hydrophobic region similar to corneum lipids. The probe mobility increased in the temperature region where lipid disorder was expected. The estimated total fatty acid delivered to skin from cleansing is comparable to the amount of fatty acid in a corneum layer. The delivered fatty acid is most likely incorporated in the corneum lipid phase.
How long does stearic acid affect rats?
The effects were less noticeable in adult mice. Rats fed 5% stearic acid as part of a high-fat diet for 6 weeks, or 6% stearic acid for 9 weeks, showed a decreased blood clotting time and hyperlipemia.
What is the backbone of stearic acid?
Stearic Acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid with an 18- carbon backbone. Stearic acid is found in various animal and plant fats, and is a major component of cocoa butter and shea butter.
What is stearic acid?
Its name comes from the Greek word στέαρ " stéar ", which means tallow. The salts and esters of stea ric acid are called stearates. As its ester, stearic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in nature following palmitic acid.
How is stearic acid obtained?
Stearic acid is obtained from fats and oils by the saponification of the triglycerides using hot water (about 100 °C). The resulting mixture is then distilled. Commercial stearic acid is often a mixture of stearic and palmitic acids, although purified stearic acid is available.
What is the chemical formula for stearic acid?
The IUPAC name is octadecanoic acid. It is a waxy solid and its chemical formula is C 17 H 35 CO 2 H. Its name comes from the Greek word στέαρ " stéar ", which means tallow. The salts and esters of stearic acid are called stearates. As its ester, stearic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in nature following palmitic acid. The triglyceride derived from three molecules of stearic acid is called stearin .
What is zinc stearate used for?
When reacted with zinc it forms zinc stearate, which is used as a lubricant for playing cards ( fanning powder) to ensure a smooth motion when fanning. Stearic acid is a common lubricant during injection molding and pressing of ceramic powders. It is also used as a mold release for foam latex that is baked in stone molds.
What is fatty acid used for in candles?
Stearic acid is used along with simple sugar or corn syrup as a hardener in candies. In fireworks, stearic acid is often used to coat metal powders such as aluminium and iron. This prevents oxidation, allowing compositions to be stored for a longer period of time.
What is caustic salt used for?
They are heated and mixed with caustic potash or caustic soda. Related salts are also commonly used as release agents, e.g. in the production of automobile tires. As an example, it can be used to make castings from a plaster piece mold or waste mold, and to make a mold from a shellacked clay original.
Is stearic acid found in animal fat?
Stearic acid is more abundant in animal fat (up to 30%) than in vegetable fat (typically <5%). The important exceptions are the foods cocoa butter (34%) and shea butter, where the stearic acid content (as a triglyceride) is 28–45%. Commercially, fats high in oleic acid such as palm and soy may be hydrogenated to convert oleic into stearic acid.
What is stearic acid?
A fatty acid that occurs naturally in animal and plant fats (typically coconut or palm oil), [1] stearic acid is white, solid, often crystalline, and with a mild odor. [2] . It’s a major component of cocoa and shea butter. [3]
How is stearic acid made?
Stearic acid is a fatty acid typically produced by hydrolysis of common animal and vegetable fats and oils, followed by fractionation (distillation or crystallization) of the resulting fatty acids. Pressing methods separate the liquid unsaturated fatty acids from the solid saturated fatty acids. Stearic acid used in cosmetics is usually pressed two ...
What is cosmetic grade stearic acid?
Cosmetic-grade stearic acids are usually mixtures of fatty acids, depending on how they’re manufactured and where they come from (often they’re combined with palmitic acid). [5] . There are several grades of stearic acid available commercially. [6]
Is stearic acid safe for skin?
Stearic Acid Safety. Whole Foods has deemed the ingredient acceptable in its body care quality standards, and studies show the ingredient is not a skin irritant. [12,13,14,15,16,17] The Cosmetics Ingredient Review has deemed stearic acid as safe for use in cosmetics. [18] .
Stearic Acid Is A Useful Common Fatty Acid
Stearic Acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid. It’s one of the most common fatty acids.
Stearic Acid Is Abundant In Animal Fat
Stearic acid is more abundant in animal fat, up to 30%. Compared to vegetable fat that typically contains
A Recommendation About Stearic Acid
There is a recommendation from researchers that the food industry considers enriching foods with stearic acid instead of palmitic acid and trans fatty acid.
Foods You Can Find Stearic Acid (18:0) In
You find Stearic Acid (18:0) mostly in fats and oil, beef, sweets, lamb, veal, and game, products.
Foods That Contain Stearic Acid (18:0) In Our Nutrition Tool
You can find regularly updated top ranked lists of foods for over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool .
What is stearic acid?
What is it? Stearic acid is an isolated fatty acid we use as a thickener and hardener in lotions, salves, body butters, and more.
How long does stearic acid last?
Storage & Shelf Life. Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, stearic acid should last at least two years. Tips, Tricks, and Quirks. Stearic acid has a higher melting point than beeswax! Recommended starter amount.
Why do we use stearic acid in lotions?
Why do we use it in formulations? Stearic acid stiffens/hardens our products. Small amounts (1–4%) in lotions will significantly thicken them. When used in products like cleansing balms or emulsified sugar scrubs stearic acid thickens without the weight and waxiness of waxes.
Can you use stearic acid in body butter?
I also like including it in salves, balms, body butters, and body butter bars with or without wax. With stearic acid you can use less wax, which improves skin feel. You can also use stearic acid to make a blend of liquid oils feel buttery, and in larger amounts, to stiffen without any added wax.
Is stearic acid a hard substitute for cetyl alcohol?
It is a bit of a niche ingredient. Stearic acid is pretty hard to swap out. It is a stronger thickener/hardener than both cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol, so if either of those are used as an alternative the end product will be softer.
Can you use wax instead of stearic aid?
I don’t recommend using a true wax as an alternative for stearic aid. Faux waxes (“waxes” that are actually hydrogenated vegetable oils—check the INCI!) may be a decent alternative in some situations, but you will have to do some experimentation to determine usage rates and if the end feel still works for you.
What Is Stearic Acid?
The truth is stearic acid is classified as a saturated, long-chain fatty acid that occurs naturally in human, animal, and plant fats. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats and oils, and unlike tissue-dissolving acids, they generally have a gentle and hydrating effect on the skin.
How is stearic acid made?
Typically, stearic acid is made through the hydrogenation of vegetable oil or the hydrolysis of animal fat (hydrolysis is a reaction whereby water molecules cause the breakdown of bonds).
Why is stearic acid used in skin care?
For instance, it increases a product’s capacity to hold more water in proportion to oil.
How many carbon atoms are in a stearic acid molecule?
In chemistry terms, a stearic acid molecule is made up of a long chain of 18 carbon atoms. There are only single bonds between the carbon atoms and the chain contains the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms, which is why stearic acid is described as saturated.
What is the most common source of stearic acid?
One of the most common sources of stearic acid in the U.S. is coconut oil. Other food sources of stearic acid include pork fat (tallow) and other oils such as palm oil and cocoa butter.
Is stearic acid comedogenic?
Unfortunately, stearic acid is considered comedogenic in some skin care circles, meaning that it can clog skin pores, which increases the chance of developing acne. Stearic acid has a comedogenic rating of 2, which translates to a moderately low chance of clogging skin pores. In contrast, substances that are non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) have a rating of 2, while those at the opposite end have a rating of 5.
Does palmitoleic acid help with wound healing?
There’s also a study that shows that palmitoleic acid, one of the most abundant fatty acids, can i mprove wound healing when applied topically. Last but not least, lauric acid has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, that support the function of the skin’s protective barrier.
What Is Stearic acid? Where Is It Found?
Stearic Acid Foods and Products
- When you eat foods that contain fat there’s a good chance you’re consuming stearic acid in small amounts. It’s a saturated fat with 18 carbon atoms and relatively common in the human diet, according to research. While it’s used to make some unhealthy processed fats, in its natural form it can have slightly positive or neutral effects on blood lipid profiles. Stearic acid food sources in…
Recipes
- You can use SA at home to make your own lotions and soaps. Most recipes will call for water, oils and an emulsifier (such as SA) to create a stable and smooth product. If you’d like to purchase SA to use in DIY recipes at home, you’ll often find a mixture of stearic and palmitic acids. Purified stearic acid is available but less commonly sold. If you’re looking for a plant-based/vegan sourc…
Risks and Side Effects
- Final Thoughts
1. Stearic acid is a natural fatty acid that appears as a waxy, yellow-white substance. It’s sourced most often from animal fats, including tallow and lard, or cocoa butter and shea butter. 2. What is stearic acid used for? It’s a common additive in soaps, cleaners, lotions and hair care products, …
Overview
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with an 18-carbon chain. The IUPAC name is octadecanoic acid. It is a waxy solid and its chemical formula is C17H35CO2H. Its name comes from the Greek word στέαρ "stéar", which means tallow. The salts and esters of stearic acid are called stearates. As its ester, stearic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in nature following palmitic acid. …
Occurrence and production
Stearic acid is more abundant in animal fat (up to 30%) than in vegetable fat (typically <5%). The important exceptions are the foods cocoa butter (34%) and shea butter, where the stearic acid content (as a triglyceride) is 28–45%.
In terms of its biosynthesis, stearic acid is produced from carbohydrates via the fatty acid synthesis machinery wherein acetyl-CoA contributes two-carbon building blocks.
Uses
In general, the applications of stearic acid exploit its bifunctional character, with a polar head group that can be attached to metal cations and a nonpolar chain that confers solubility in organic solvents. The combination leads to uses as a surfactant and softening agent. Stearic acid undergoes the typical reactions of saturated carboxylic acids, a notable one being reduction to stearyl alcohol, and esterification with a range of alcohols. This is used in a large range of manu…
Metabolism
An isotope labeling study in humans concluded that the fraction of dietary stearic acid that oxidatively desaturates to oleic acid is 2.4 times higher than the fraction of palmitic acid analogously converted to palmitoleic acid. Also, stearic acid is less likely to be incorporated into cholesterol esters. In epidemiologic and clinical studies, stearic acid was found to be associated with lowered LDL cholesterol in comparison with other saturated fatty acids.
Salts and esters
Stearates are the salts or esters of stearic acid. The conjugate base of stearic acid, C17H35COO , is also known as the stearate anion.
Salts
• Calcium stearate
• Lithium stearate
External links
• NIST Chemistry WebBook Entry