Stearic acid in skincare
A saturated fatty acid found in several plant and animal fats.
What is stearic acid?
A saturated fatty acid found in several plant and animal fats. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Stearic Acid. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does stearic acid do for skin and the product?
Contributes to firmness and is used to stabilise and soften formulations.
Emollients make the surface more supple and affect how the product spreads. Lipids do not themselves add water, but some can also help retain moisture.
Stearic acid is not an exfoliating acid like glycolic acid.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about stearic acid
What does stearic acid do in skincare?
Contributes to firmness and is used to stabilise and soften formulations.
What should I know about stearic acid?
Stearic acid is not an exfoliating acid like glycolic acid.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations