Get The
Best Price
1,500+
Brands
  1. Beauty Glossary
  2. Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid Skincare Products

Stearic acid may sound intimidating, but it's actually a really common ingredient that is found in hundreds of hair and skin care products. This plant- and animal-derived waxy substance is used as both a thickening agent for lotions and shower gels, as well as a hardening agent for soaps and candles.

See our stearic acid guide to answer your questions like how is stearic acid made and what is stearic acid used for.

Brands With Stearic Acid Products

  • Bumble and bumble
  • REN
  • Dermalogica
  • Benefit
  • Sculpted by Aimee Connolly
  • Murad
  • Cantu
  • Florence by Mills

Refine By

Brand

Makeup

Skin Care

Fragrance

Hair Care

Body Care

Wellbeing

Sunscreen & Self Tan

Nails

Sort By

435 products found
-18%
Emma Hardie Protect & Prime Moisturizer SPF 30
Emma Hardie Protect & Prime Moisturizer SPF 30
$51.04 $61.50
-16%
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream
$17.39 $20.46
-18%
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50
$15.68 $18.90
-16%
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 2.0
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance 2.0
$17.39 $20.46
-11%
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Lip Balm
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Lip Balm
$7.72 $8.59
-16%
Dermalogica Active Moist
Dermalogica Active Moist
$47.68 $56.10
-13%
Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo
Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo
$28.29 $32.34
-11%
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
$4.81 $5.35
Benefit POWmade Brow Pomade
Benefit POWmade Brow Pomade
$28.08
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
$8.10
-18%
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
$32.71 $39.42
-21%
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil
$15.06 $18.90
-16%
Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30
Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30
$60.53 $71.22
-15%
Vita Liberata Body Blur
Vita Liberata Body Blur
$37.74 $44.17
-13%
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
$63.26 $72.30
-13%
Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil
Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil
$28.29 $32.34
-13%
NIP+FAB Teen Skin Fix Zero Shine Moisturizer
NIP+FAB Teen Skin Fix Zero Shine Moisturizer
$10.86 $12.42
-13%
Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask
Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask
$40.15 $45.90
-11%
Olaplex No.5p Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner
Olaplex No.5p Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner
$31.26 $35.10
-2%
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Tube
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Tube
$5.29 $5.35
Benefit BADgal BANG Mascara
Benefit BADgal BANG Mascara
$34.56
Solgar Skin, Nails & Hair Formula
Solgar Skin, Nails & Hair Formula
$18.90
-29%
REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream
REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream
$46.38 $65.08
-26%
Vita Liberata Body Blur With Tan
Vita Liberata Body Blur With Tan
$29.56 $39.42
-18%
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
$14.78 $17.82
-18%
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil
$8.10 $9.83
-13%
Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer
Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer
$37.80 $43.20
-13%
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Hold
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Hold
$21.25 $24.30
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Wave Whip Curling Mousse
Cantu For Natural Hair Wave Whip Curling Mousse
$8.26 $9.18
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream
Cantu For Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream
$9.23 $10.26
-17%
Q+A Vitamin C Body Cream
Q+A Vitamin C Body Cream
$10.76 $12.96
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel
Cantu For Natural Hair Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel
$8.26 $9.18
-10%
Rimmel Volume Thrill Seeker Mascara
Rimmel Volume Thrill Seeker Mascara
$13.07 $14.52
-9%
Bioderma Atoderm Stick Levres Ultra-Moisturizing Lip Balm
Bioderma Atoderm Stick Levres Ultra-Moisturizing Lip Balm
$6.43 $7.02
-31%
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation
$26.41 $37.74
-18%
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
$10.70 $12.90
-18%
Zelens Emulsion D Fortifying Moisturizer
Zelens Emulsion D Fortifying Moisturizer
$67.22 $80.99
-18%
Zelens Power D Fortifying & Restoring Serum
Zelens Power D Fortifying & Restoring Serum
$109.30 $131.70
-18%
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate Sensitive/Beginner
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate Sensitive/Beginner
$52.43 $63.17
-18%
Q+A Collagen Face Cream
Q+A Collagen Face Cream
$14.29 $17.22
-16%
Dermalogica Age Smart Super Rich Repair
Dermalogica Age Smart Super Rich Repair
$96.33 $113.34
-16%
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser
$42.17 $49.62
-16%
Dermalogica Age Smart Age Defense Gift Set
Dermalogica Age Smart Age Defense Gift Set
$60.53 $71.22
-13%
Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Beauty Base Protect SPF 50 All In One Moisturizing Primer
Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Beauty Base Protect SPF 50 All In One Moisturizing Primer
$23.57 $26.94
-13%
Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Tint & Glow Skin Enhancer
Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Tint & Glow Skin Enhancer
$24.51 $28.02
-13%
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer
$36.80 $42.06
-13%
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
$41.52 $47.46
-13%
Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara
Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara
$25.46 $29.10
-13%
Stila One Step Correct
Stila One Step Correct
$28.35 $32.40
-13%
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
$31.13 $35.58
-13%
Murad Hydration Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30
Murad Hydration Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30
$66.09 $75.54
-11%
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
$14.52 $16.14
-11%
Weleda Skin Food Light
Weleda Skin Food Light
$17.25 $19.17
-11%
Cantu Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream
Cantu Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream
$7.72 $8.59
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Coconut Oil Shine & Hold Mist
Cantu For Natural Hair Coconut Oil Shine & Hold Mist
$8.26 $9.18
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Comeback Curl Next Day Curl Revitalizer
Cantu For Natural Hair Comeback Curl Next Day Curl Revitalizer
$9.67 $10.75
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Coil Calm Detangler
Cantu For Natural Hair Coil Calm Detangler
$8.26 $9.18
-11%
Cantu Maximum Hold Strengthening Styling Gel
Cantu Maximum Hold Strengthening Styling Gel
$8.69 $9.67
-11%
Cantu Care For Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo
Cantu Care For Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo
$6.75 $7.51
-11%
Cantu Care For Kids Conditioning Detangler
Cantu Care For Kids Conditioning Detangler
$6.75 $7.51
-11%
Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner
Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner
$7.72 $8.59
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo
Cantu For Natural Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo
$7.72 $8.59
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil
$33.48
REN Neroli & Grapefruit Body Cream
REN Neroli & Grapefruit Body Cream
$30.18
REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk
REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk
$29.10
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Lotion
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Lotion
$38.82
-18%
Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Hand & Nail Treatment SPF 30
Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Hand & Nail Treatment SPF 30
$16.58 $19.98
-16%
WE ARE PARADOXX Moisture Express Hair Mask
WE ARE PARADOXX Moisture Express Hair Mask
$32.07 $37.74
-13%
Paula's Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask
Paula's Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask
$32.07 $36.66
-13%
TIGI Bed Head Color Goddess Conditioner
TIGI Bed Head Color Goddess Conditioner
$13.46 $15.39
-13%
Moroccanoil Texture Clay
Moroccanoil Texture Clay
$20.64 $23.60
-11%
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
$23.27 $25.86
-11%
Cantu For Natural Hair Deep Treatment Masque
Cantu For Natural Hair Deep Treatment Masque
$9.67 $10.75
-11%
Cantu Care For Kids Nourishing Conditioner
Cantu Care For Kids Nourishing Conditioner
$6.75 $7.51
-11%
Cantu Avocado Curl Activator Cream
Cantu Avocado Curl Activator Cream
$9.67 $10.75
-10%
Cantu Hydrating Leave-In Conditioning Mist
Cantu Hydrating Leave-In Conditioning Mist
$7.29 $8.10
Solgar Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 1000 IU 25mcg
Solgar Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 1000 IU 25mcg
$13.50
St Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Youth Boosting Face Cream
St Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Youth Boosting Face Cream
$23.70
Benefit Wanderlust Hoola Bronzer & Blush Cheek Duo
Benefit Wanderlust Hoola Bronzer & Blush Cheek Duo
$28.62
Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection Lotion SPF 15
Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection Lotion SPF 15
$10.75
-41%
Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation
Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation
$21.38 $35.64
-30%
Illamasqua Powder Blusher
Illamasqua Powder Blusher
$20.37 $29.10
-26%
Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream
Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream
$27.94 $37.26
-20%
Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Strong Sun
Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Strong Sun
$65.66 $82.07
-18%
TAN-LUXE Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
TAN-LUXE Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
$38.54 $46.44
You've viewed 90 of 435 productsShow Me More
Stearic Acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Stearic Acid products

How is stearic acid made?

Stearic acid goes through a heating and pressurizing system before being placed into boiling water. This process takes place inside a distillation machine. The clever and innovative devicecatches the steam that is given off from boiling the fatty acid and carries it through to an array of chilled coils.

The chilling process causes the stearic acid to condense before then becoming a liquid. Once cooled further, the acid becomes the waxy solid substance found in soaps and other skin care products.

What is stearic acid used for?

Traditionally, this fatty acid is used as a thickening and/or hardening agent for cosmetics. You'll primarily find this nifty ingredient in bars of soap due to its ability to harden the other ingredients, making the bar solid.

But the uses don't stop there: stearic acid is also known for its cleansing properties. As it's a surfactant, it has the ability to lower the surface tension of oils, allowing water to combine with oil molecules and lift them away from your skin and hair.

Where is stearic acid found?

This clever acid can be derived from the fats and oils in plants and animals, although animal fats boast a typically higher percentage of stearic acid. But don't worry, this extract goes through a vigorous process before it makes its way into your cosmetic products.

What are the benefits of stearic acid beauty products?

Stearic acid brings an array of cleansing properties to skin care products, making it particularly useful as a cleanser. Its intelligent nature lifts away unwanted oils and sebum from the skin for a truly thorough cleansing experience.

Is stearic acid vegan?

This popular ingredient is often found in natural skin care products as an alternative to chemical sources, but that doesn't always make it safe to use for vegans.

Usually, stearic acid is sourced from animal fats as they contain a higher percentage of the acid than plants, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, there are some strains of stearic acid that are sourced purely from plant-based properties, so be sure to always check the ingredients list.

What other names can stearic acid be shown as in product labels?

Sometimes ingredient lists will name the source as stearic acid, but you may often find it labeled as any of the following: Century 1240, cetylacetic acid, Emersol 120, Emersol 132, Emersol 150, Formula 300 and Glycon DP.

What other ingredients or products go well with stearic acid?

Stearic acid works incredibly well with any cream, lotion or body butter formulation as it creates a thick and rich texture. But don't worry, you don't need to do the mixing as this is almost always already done by the scientists behind our favorite cosmetic brands.

Are there any negative side effects of stearic acid beauty products?

It has been confirmed by the US Food and Drug Administration that it is fine to use stearic acid topically within skin and hair care products, although sufferers of sensitive skin may want to be a little more careful. As with everything, it is best to use in moderation and listen to your skin's demands.

Luke Chapman

Written by Luke Chapman, Beauty Editor

Sign in or register

Sign in or register to save your wishlist permanently and view them on other devices.

  • View your wishlist across all your devices
  • Manage your price drop and stock alerts
  • Get access to exclusive promos
Select Site
Cosmetify

Sign up for an extra 5% off!Treat yourself with an extra discount on your first purchase over £30.

Get Stearic Acid Sale Alerts

When Stearic Acid products go on sale, be the first to know.