Industry Grade 99% Sodium Stearate CAS 822-16-2

Sodium Stearate (Sodium Octadecanoate) — Product Detail Page

1. Product Overview

Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid — the classic soap molecule that has defined cleansing for centuries. As a white, free-flowing powder with a long hydrophobic chain and an ionic carboxyl head, it is amphiphilic: it lowers surface tension, emulsifies oils in water and produces stable foam, which is exactly why it remains the core building block of bar soap and a key surfactant of the detergent industry.

Beyond soap, sodium stearate is a quiet workhorse across four more markets: it gels and structures deodorant sticks and cosmetic sticks, emulsifies and thickens creams, serves as an E470a emulsifier and anti-caking agent in food, lubricates plastics, rubber and metal processing, and stabilizes latex paints and inks. One molecule — the original surfactant — still earning its keep everywhere.

A single salt, four core value propositions:

Soap & Detergents:

● the traditional core of bar soap and a stable-foam surfactant of detergent systems;

Cosmetics & Personal Care:

● a gelling agent, emulsifier and thickener for sticks, creams and gel formulations;

Food:

● an E470a emulsifier, anti-caking agent;

Industrial Applications:

● a lubricant, mold-release, paint stabilizer and ink thickener across industry.

2. Product Information (Quick Facts)

3. Chemistry & Structure

Sodium stearate is the salt formed by neutralizing stearic acid (C18 saturated) with sodium hydroxide: CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COONa. The molecule is amphiphilic — a long hydrophobic C17 tail and a hydrophilic ionic head — which is the origin of all its properties: surface activity, emulsification, foaming, gelling and lubrication. In water it dissociates into sodium ions and stearate anions, giving mildly alkaline solutions that are compatible with skin and textile cleaning.

4. Key Features & Benefits

● True soap chemistry: the original surfactant — effective cleansing, foaming and emulsifying action.

● Effective emulsifier and thickener: stabilizes oil-in-water creams, lotions and gel systems.

● Broad industrial utility: lubrication, mold release, paint stabilization and ink thickening from one salt.

● Mild, skin-friendly pH: alkaline but gentle in traditional soap and personal-care systems.

● Renewable, biodegradable: made from natural fats, fully biodegradable in the environment.

5. Main Applications

5.1 Soap & Detergents (Core Application)

Sodium stearate is the foundational surfactant of cleansing products:

● Bar soap: the classic soap base (typically 5 – 20%) delivering cleansing, lather and bar hardness;

● Laundry and hand soaps: surfactant and foam-stabilizing component;

● Syndet and soap blends: functional filler and skin-feel improver;

● Industrial cleaning: component of scouring and cleaning formulations.

5.2 Cosmetics & Personal Care

● Deodorant sticks: gelling agent (4 – 8%) forming the clear, solid stick structure;

● Creams and lotions: co-emulsifier (< 1%) and viscosity builder;

● Cleansers and scrubs: structuring and mild-surfactant component;

● Makeup sticks and balms: structure and pay-off control.

5.3 Food Applications

● Food (E470a): emulsifier, binder and anti-caking agent in processed foods;

● Nutritional and confectionery: stabilization in specialty products.

5.4 Industrial Applications

● Plastics and rubber: lubricant, mold-release and processing aid;

● Latex paints: emulsifier and dispersant stabilizing pigment and binder systems;

● Inks: thickener and rheology modifier;

● Metalworking, pencils and waxes: lubrication in pencils, polishes and forming operations.

6. Packaging, Storage

Packaging (customizable):

● 20 kg / 25 kg multi-wall paper bag with PE liner, 25 kg carton, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC;

● Food grade in sealed food-grade containers;

Storage:

● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;

● Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture pick-up and caking;

● Store away from strong oxidizers and acids; powder can form combustible dust;

● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.

Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;

● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;small trial orders accepted.

● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;

FAQ

Q1: What is sodium stearate used for?

Sodium stearate is the classic soap molecule — it forms the base of bar soap and delivers stable lather in detergents. It is also a gelling agent for deodorant and cosmetic sticks, an emulsifier and thickener in creams, an E470a emulsifier and anti-caking agent in food, and a lubricant, mold-release, paint and ink additive in industry.

Q2: What is the difference between sodium stearate and potassium stearate?

Both are stearic-acid soaps, but the cation changes the feel: sodium stearate gives hard, dense bars with stable foam — the classic solid soap. Potassium stearate is softer and more soluble, giving a smooth, silky feel — preferred in liquid soaps, shaving creams and soft cosmetic formulations. Many soap bars blend both for the ideal balance.

Q3: What is the difference between sodium stearate and stearic acid?

Stearic acid (C₁₇H₃₅COOH) is the free fatty acid — water-insoluble, waxy, and the raw material. Sodium stearate is its sodium salt — water-dispersible, surface-active, and the functional soap. Buy stearic acid when you want to react or emulsify in situ; buy sodium stearate when you need the ready surfactant, gellant or food additive (E470a).

Q4: Is sodium stearate safe to handle?

Sodium stearate has low acute toxicity and is food-approved (E470a), but the powder can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, and it can form combustible dust. Use dust masks, gloves and goggles, avoid generating dust, and control ignition sources. It is an industrial chemical; food and cosmetic use must comply with the destination market's regulations.