Stearic Acid
Thu, June 25, 2009 at 12:00 PM Today's Chemical:
Stearic Acid
EWG Risk Score:
What is it:
Stearic acid is a naturally-ocurring saturated fatty acid used as an emulsifier and emollient. It'sfound in many saturated oils like palm and coconut, but it can also be derived from animal sources. PETA states that stearic acid can be made from: Fat from cows and sheep and from dogs and cats euthanized in animal shelters, etc. Most often refers to a fatty substance taken from the stomachs of pigs. Can be harsh, irritating. It can also be derived from coconut and palm oil. It's created by treating oil with water at high temperatures, going through the hydrogenation process.
Why is it a risk?
Animals who digested small amounts of stearic acid showed neurological side effects as well as organ system toxicity. In addition, low doses created skin irritation in lab tests. Most stearic acids are blended with palmitic acid, a chemical that formed tumors in animals at high doses. Additionally, heavy metals are commonly used in the processing of these chemicals.
What type of products is it in?
Shampoos
Conditioners
Lotions
Chewing Gum
A few companies that use this chemical:
Almay
Aveeno
Lavera
Tom's of Maine
The Body Shop
Neutrogena
Maggie Blue
Steph's opinion:
Stearic acid really isn't that terrible, but why use it when there are more natural alternatives? There are truly natural ingredients that do a better job and don't have the negative health and environmental consequences. Most of the natural companies say stearic acid is "made from coconut oil" but unless the product specifies, it's most likely animal-derived. Animal waste--the stuff that slaughterhouses can't use, the stuff that's not even good enough to make it in to hot dogs--are sent to places called rendering plants. Sometimes animal shelters will send euthanized dogs and cats to rendering plants as well. The dead carcasses and parts are separated meat from fat, bone from skin, and so on. The fat is then used to create cosmetic ingredients such as stearic acid.
Reader Comments (17)
You talk mostly about the stearic acid derived from animals. But if you have some that really truly is plant derived, is it safer?
Stearic acid would be the same no matter if it's created from animal or vegetable fats.
Hi! Thanks for the post! You say there are better alternatives to stearic acid? Can you tell us what they are? Thanks!!
Well, I recommend not making emulsions because when you use water you have to use a preservative. However, if you're dead set on making an emulsion, I recommend using:
1. Xanthan gum and soy lecithin
2. Beeswax
3. Olivem 1000 (It's still a synthetic but the best one that I've found)
im a vegetarian and a lotion i found said that it wasn't tested on animals but it had stearic acid in it do u think its animal or plant derived? the company is essence of beauty. also what is glycerin is it vegetarian safe? thanks! :)
@Annie--vegetable glycerin is vegetarian safe--it's not extracted from any animal sources.
The stearic acid in question--you would have to e-mail the company and ask them specifically if it's animal or vegetable based.
I have noticed that I get acne outbreaks when I take supplements containing stearic acid or magnesium stearate. I also see that it is in sugar free items. I try to avoid anything with stearic acid.
What are the natural alternatives to stearic acid?
Could some list them? What exactly does stearic acid do? Is it a preservative?
@linday--Stearic acid is usually used as an emulsifier or to thicken a cream. I list some alternatives for emulsifying a couple of comments up. Thanks for reading!
Really amazing chemical "Stearic Acid" I have not any idea about this chemical, yes you are right if we have any alternatives then we must not use it in our lives.
Stearic acid is an ingredient in some foods. I was researching it after eating a number of peppermint lifesavers for bad breath. Every day for the last week, I've been suffering from headaches, respiratory troubles, and nervous problems. Thank you for your insight!
How harsh can stearic acid be? Is it safe for sensitive skin?
@Hannah--that really depends on how much is used in the formula, the other ingredients present, and the particular sensitivities of the individual.
I loved the post! As an esthetician I am fighting against these harmful ingredients too.
I used Nivea Soft which contains Steariac Acid on my face over a period of 4 days and had a major alergic reaction which included very ichy swollen eye lids and major wrinkles under my eyes. I actually felt a change in my brain resulting in confusion and sharp bursts of pain which stopped immediately after I stopped using this cream.
I appreciate your research but there is Palm Stearic Acid that is not animal-derived. To suggest that Coconut-Derived Stearic Acid could most likely be animal-derived is very unfair to your readers. By the way, Beeswax is not a vegan ingredient and yet...
CK--where did I say that coconut-derived stearic acid could most likely be animal-derived? I stated that unless otherwise noted, it is likely to be sourced from animal by-products. Yes, there is palm oil derived stearic acid as well, but, unless sustainably harvested, palm oil production leads to the deforestation of rainforest, so really, that's not that great of an option either.