INCI: Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a chain of 18 carbon atoms and is found in many animal and vegetable fats and oils, especially in shea butter, cocoa butter.
It is used in skin care products as an emulsifier in combination with another emulsifier, as it increases the density of the cream and the stability of the products. It facilitates the creation and maintenance of homogeneous mixtures of water and oil.
Also, it functions as an emollient, enhancing the moisturizing effect of the cosmetic product to which it is added.
As an important component of the outer layer of the skin, it is responsible for maintaining natural moisture, preventing transdermal water loss.
It can also function as a surfactant for cleansing the skin and hair.
Finally, it can be used in the production of soaps using the cold process, because it contributes to increasing the hardness of the soap and maintaining its shape.
In cosmetics it is used in creams in a percentage of 2-10% and in candles in a percentage of 10-20%.
Sources:
https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/steari-acid
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/steari-acid
https://www.byrdie.com/what-is-stearic-acid-5120216
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