Ingredient Directory
Low Concern

Stearic Acid

Octadecanoic acid

Safety Notes

Used to give body to creams; when combined with triethanolamine forms soap-type emulsification; check source for vegan formulas

Function & Common Use

Function

Emulsifying / Emollient / Viscosity controlling

Category

Emollient

Common In

Creams, lotions, cleansers, soaps

Origin

Plant / Synthetic / Animal

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stearic Acid safe to use in skincare?

Stearic Acid has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Used to give body to creams; when combined with triethanolamine forms soap-type emulsification; check source for vegan formulas

Is Stearic Acid allowed in India?

Stearic Acid is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Stearic Acid used for in cosmetics?

Stearic Acid functions as: Emulsifying / Emollient / Viscosity controlling. It is commonly found in: Creams, lotions, cleansers, soaps.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS57-11-4
EC200-313-4

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