Application areas

Application Notes

food additives

Stearic acid and its salts are commonly used as food additives, primarily to enhance the aroma and texture of food. It is sometimes used as a base ingredient in flavorings for chocolate, candy, and biscuits. The antibacterial properties of stearic acid also make it suitable as a preservative in some foods, extending their shelf life.

Chemical industry

Stearic acid can be used to prepare a variety of surfactants, such as sodium stearate and stearamide. These surfactants play roles in emulsification, detergency, and foaming in detergents, cleaning agents, and other products.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing

Stearic acid is used in the pharmaceutical field to prepare some drugs and drug carriers. It is also used in some topical medications, possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a synthetic raw material, stearic acid can be used to prepare some pharmaceutical intermediates and as a catalyst in synthetic processes.

Daily chemical industry

Stearic acid is a major component of soap, producing rich lather and possessing excellent cleansing power. It is also used in hair care products such as shampoos. Its moisturizing properties make it an important ingredient in shower gels and hand creams, helping to keep skin hydrated. Stearic acid is also a common cosmetic ingredient used in the production of facial cleansers, skin creams, and other products, providing lubrication and moisturizing effects.

Indicator range

GB1886.101​

J P

E P

U SP

Color

White to pale yellow

state

hard solids

Crystallization point, ℃

5 4.5-69

5 6.0-72.0

6 4-69

≥5 4

Moisture, %

≤0.2​

Acid value (calculated as KOH) mg/g

1 96-211

1 94-210

1 94-212

Unsaponifiables, %

≤1.5​

Saponification value (calculated as KOH) mg/g

1 97-212

Iodine value (as I₂ ₎ g/100g

≤ 7.0

≤4.0​

≤1.5​

≤4.0​

water-soluble acid

Myristic acid, %

Stearic acid, %

≥9 0.0

≥4 0.0

Stearic acid + palmitic acid, %

≥9 6.0

≥9 0.0

Burning residue, %

≤0.1​

≤0.1​

≤0.1​

Nickel, mg/kg

≤ 1.0

Lead, mg/kg

≤2.0​

Heavy metals, mg/kg

≤ 20

≤1 0