Stearic Acid
stee-AIR-ik ASS-id
What Is Stearic Acid?
A saturated fatty acid naturally found in many animal and plant fats. In hair care, it acts as an emulsifier, thickener, and emollient that provides a creamy texture to products.
Source: Animal fats (tallow) or plant oils (palm, cocoa butter, shea butter)
Origin: Natural
Also known as: Octadecanoic Acid
What Does Stearic Acid Do to Your Hair?
Thickens and stabilizes hair product formulations while providing mild emolliency. Creates a pearly, creamy appearance in conditioners and masks. Helps form the lipid barrier that protects the hair shaft.
Best For
Dry hair, thick hair, all hair types
Not Recommended For
Fine hair (may weigh down)
Concentration Matters
1-10% in products
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Extremely safe with extensive use in food and cosmetics for centuries. Non-toxic, non-irritating, and biodegradable. One of the most common fatty acids in both nature and personal care.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA classifies as GRAS for food. Widely permitted in cosmetics.
EWG Score: 1/10
HairAide Verdict
A completely safe, ubiquitous fatty acid that has been used in personal care forever. It is simply giving your products their creamy texture. Nothing to think twice about.
Products That Contain Stearic Acid
Conditioners, hair creams, styling products, hair masks, soaps
Alternatives to Stearic Acid
If you want to avoid Stearic Acid, look for products with these ingredients instead:
Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Stearic Acid has a safety rating of 9/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Extremely safe with extensive use in food and cosmetics for centuries. Non-toxic, non-irritating, and biodegradable. One of the most common fatty acids in both nature and personal care.
Stearic Acid is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.
Yes, Stearic Acid is approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Stearic Acid include: Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol
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