Sodium stearate

Sodium stearate suppliers and sourcing guide

Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid, made by neutralizing stearic acid with sodium hydroxide or by saponifying stearic-rich fats. It is the main gelling agent in stick deodorants and a common component of bar soaps, and it is also used as an emulsifier and thickener. Commercial grades are mixtures of sodium stearate and sodium palmitate because commercial stearic acid contains both, and brands buy it as a white powder or beads.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants
Also known as: Stearic acid sodium salt · Octadecanoic acid, sodium salt · Sodium octadecanoate · CAS 822-16-2
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of sodium stearate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Powder
Fine powder for dissolving in hot glycol or alcohol bases, used for deodorant sticks.
Pharmaceutical grade
Made to pharmacopeial specifications, used in drug and NHP sticks and gels.
Vegetable-source grades
Made from palm or other plant stearic acid, often RSPO certified; tallow-based grades also exist.
High-purity stearate
Grades with higher stearate share, giving firmer, clearer sticks.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay: Fatty acid salt content by titration, reported on a dry basis.
Fatty acid composition: Stearic and palmitic acid ratio by GC after acidification and methylation.
Free alkali or free fatty acid: Titration for excess sodium hydroxide or unreacted fatty acid, which affects skin feel and stick stability.
Loss on drying: Moisture by loss on drying.
Heavy metals: Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.
Iodine value: Iodine value, which shows unsaturated fatty acid content that can cause odor and color change.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sodium stearate in sealed bags or drums in a cool, dry area; it absorbs some moisture and can clump. Keep away from strong acids and oxidizers. Shelf life and retest dates come from the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record fatty acid composition and free alkali for each lot, since the stearate/palmitate ratio changes stick hardness and clarity. Note the fat source (vegetable or animal) per lot when the product carries a vegan claim.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists sodium stearate (CAS 822-16-2) with technical effects including emulsifier or emulsifier salt and stabilizer or thickener, and cites 21 CFR 172.863 among other regulations.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
21 CFR 172.863 permits salts of fatty acids, including the sodium salts, in food and in the manufacture of food components under stated conditions.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sodium stearate (CAS 822-16-2) with non-medicinal purposes of anticaking agent, emulsifying agent and solubilizing agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents permits sodium stearate in fillings, icings, unstandardized bakery products and unstandardized confectionery.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Sodium stearate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sodium stearate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell sodium stearate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of sodium stearate can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, pharmaceutical grade, vegetable-source grades and high-purity stearate. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sodium stearate include?

Expect assay, fatty acid composition, free alkali or free fatty acid, loss on drying, heavy metals and iodine value, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sodium stearate be stored?

What is the regulatory status of sodium stearate?

FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists sodium stearate (CAS 822-16-2) with technical effects including emulsifier or emulsifier salt and stabilizer or thickener, and cites 21 CFR 172.863 among other regulations. 21 CFR 172.863 permits salts of fatty acids, including the sodium salts, in food and in the manufacture of food components under stated conditions. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sodium stearate (CAS 822-16-2) with non-medicinal purposes of anticaking agent, emulsifying agent and solubilizing agent. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents permits sodium stearate in fillings, icings, unstandardized bakery products and unstandardized confectionery.

More cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants

All 76 cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing