Introduction

Stearic acid is gaining attention in the skincare industry for its potential benefits. Although you may have not heard of it, chances are high that you are using it daily. As it is present in most modern skincare products, people use it daily without much knowledge.

Found naturally in human sebum, this acid plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin. While it may sound like a relatively new ingredient in the skincare industry, researchers state that it has been present for a while.

If you are a persistent label reader, certain ingredients may pop up again and again. One such substance is stearic acid. Now, you must be wondering what is stearic acid? Is it alarming?

To answer all your woes, we bring you this piece in collaboration with a certified dermatologist. Here, we will gain more information about this substance and look at its benefits from the skincare perspective. So join us as we explore further.

What is stearic acid?

Widely used in the cosmetic industry, this is a hidden gem. Although it is not commonly known, it finds purpose in a number of products, as stated above.

While browsing the internet for Stearic acid meaning, you might stumble upon a number of articles stating that it is a long-chain fatty acid. But let us start from the grassroots level.

The word "stearic" is derived from the Greek word "stear," which translates to animal fat. In the modern world, it has gained alternative names that one finds on cosmetic product labels. Some of the popular ones are zinc stearate, vanicol, and cetylacetic acid, among others. Apart from these, it can also be found in plant fats like shea butter or coconut oil.

This waxy yellow-white substance is part of a number of skincare products used as emollients, surfactants, and emulsifiers. They are practically used everywhere, from bathing soaps to lotions. Also known as Octadecanoic Acid, this saturated substance is used in the following industries:

• Skincare and haircare products
• Detergents
• Household cleaners
• Textile
• Adhesive
• Pharmaceuticals
• Formulation of candles and chewing gum

What does stearic acid do in skincare products?

As a form of humectant, it is quite effective in hydrating the skin. It creates a barrier that not only seals in moisture but keeps your skin supple for longer. This substance is especially effective for people with dry skin. It functions by gently removing dirt and keeping the natural oils intact.

Apart from this, there are other indirect advantages of stearic acid in skincare. It reduces roughness and dryness. Thus making your skin less prone to wrinkles. If you are looking for a go-to moisturizing product, then the Waterlight Gel Moisturiser 72 Hour Hydration can be your best friend. The ultralight water like consistency not only gives you instantly hydrated skin but seals in moisture for the next couple of days.

Stearic acid benefits in skincare

Although we have established that this substance is purely used for product formulation, it has some specific cosmetic usage. Let's take a look at the stearic acid benefits:

Softens the skin

When looking at moisturizing ingredients, they typically fall under three categories:

• Humectants
• Emollients
• Occlusives

Stearic acid lies in the second category. It is an emollient. This means it works by softening and smoothening the skin, just like jojoba oil or squalane. This is precisely why it is used to add moisturizing properties to products, explains our dermatologist.

Reinforces the skin barrier

The outer layer of our skin is responsible for locking in moisture while keeping the irritants out. They create a barrier like a brick wall. This is where the stearic acid, along with other components like cholesterol, act as the mortar. In conjunction with the skin cells that act as bricks, this mortar keeps everything glued together to create an even surface.

Reducing signs of ageing

Stearic acid protects against water loss as it strengthens the skin barrier. Thereby keeping it soft and supple. By keeping the moisture intact, your skin will be glowing.

Cleanses the skin

Apart from being a moisturizer, it also acts as a surfactant. This is the reason it is found in soaps. In simpler terms, it helps oil and dirt bind together so that it can be washed off your skin easily. However, it leaves behind the natural oil of your skin and acts as a great ingredient for people looking for gentle cleansers, unlike sulfates.

Therefore, this is a paradigm product that must be present in your face washes. One such product is the Clearing & Calming Acne Face Wash 100 ml, which contains PEG-150 Distearate. While the name of this substance may look alarming, it is generally used to make baby care formulations. Thus posing no threat to your skin.

Precautions while using stearic acid

Most experts agree that this substance is typically a safe ingredient that is well tolerated by any skin type. That being said, our dermatologist recommends that any ingredient has the potential to trigger a reaction. Therefore, before lathering on a product all over, one must be cautious enough to do a patch test. This can be conducted on a small area of your skin behind the ear and must be observed for the next 48 hours. If you do not notice any reaction by this time, then you can use it as you wish.

Although, by now, you have witnessed us singing praises of stearic acid, the surprising part is you do not have to raid the shops to reap its benefits. As hidden gems, this substance is used to formulate the luxurious silky textured products we all love to use. They stabilize the final products and keep them from separating. The skin care benefits are just a bonus!

Conclusion

Stearic acid can be a boon for dry or combination skin types as it will overall improve its health and appearance.

While wrapping up, we can say that although it is a wonderful substance, you do not have to look out for it specifically. As a matter of fact, you might be already using it!