Palm Stearic Acid
About This Product
Palm Stearic Acid is a vegetable-derived fatty-acid material used for its solid structure and reactive carboxylic-acid functionality. Stearic acid itself is the saturated C18 fatty acid; commercial stearic grades can contain different proportions of stearic and palmitic acids. The product name therefore needs to be read alongside the actual fatty-acid distribution. In creams and other formulated systems, the material contributes body and consistency to the oil phase. Controlled neutralisation converts fatty acids into soaps, which can provide interfacial activity in suitable emulsion designs. It also serves as a feedstock for soap manufacture and other fatty-acid derivatives. Its behaviour differs from a ready-made complete emulsifying wax. Agree the fatty-acid profile, acid value, titre or melting behaviour and physical form before substitution between grades. Colour, odour and purity requirements should reflect the intended end use. For cosmetic development, test the neutralisation balance, viscosity and stability of the complete formulation using the selected grade.
