STEARATE ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as an emulsifier, surfactant, and texture modifier. It helps stabilize oil-and-water systems, improve slip, and disperse pigments or powders in creams, sticks, and color cosmetics.
What does STEARATE do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as an emulsifier, surfactant, and texture modifier. It helps stabilize oil-and-water systems, improve slip, and disperse pigments or powders in creams, sticks, and color cosmetics.
Is STEARATE clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally low concern, well tolerated, and not a common allergen. It is not a typical restricted-list issue, though performance and mildness depend on the exact salt or ester form used.
Is STEARATE sustainable?
This material is usually made from fatty feedstocks that may be plant, animal, or petroleum derived, with vegetable sources common in personal care. It is generally biodegradable, with the main sourcing caveat being traceability when palm-derived feedstocks are used.
Is STEARATE COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and can be used in COSMOS-organic products when its feedstock and processing meet the standard’s requirements. Its Green Chemistry fit is strongest when made from renewable fatty feedstocks using simple, low-residue processing and when supported by responsible sourcing.
How does STEARATE work chemically?
Chemically, this is a C18 saturated fatty-acid-derived material, commonly present as a metal salt or ester that behaves as an amphiphilic structuring agent. Typical use levels range from about 0.1% to 5% depending on format, and performance can shift with pH, counterion choice, electrolyte load, and hard-water minerals.
Last updated 2026-08-16