Roll Call

“Sodium Stearate?”Here!

SurfactantEmulsifierThickenerVaries by source

Appears in 1 scanned product.

In personal care

The sodium salt of stearic acid, a fatty acid found in many plant and animal fats. It is a waxy solid and is, chemically, a basic soap.

Why it’s used

It functions as an emulsifier and thickener, helping bind water and oil phases together and giving creams and bar products their structure and firmness.

What the evidence says

The CIR safety panel reviewed Sodium Stearate as used in cosmetics and concluded it is safe in current practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Animal and human skin tests found Sodium Stearate to be non-irritating or only mildly so at use concentrations (100% in rabbits; low-concentration aqueous solutions and a 7% stick deodorant showed minimal to moderate erythema in a minority of subjects, described as low potential for irritation). Dermal absorption through rat and human skin was noted, but no systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, or carcinogenicity concerns specific to Sodium Stearate were reported at cosmetic exposure levels.

Context

Found in both rinse-off products like bar soaps and leave-on creams and lotions, where its role is purely structural rather than active.

Rumors

  1. Sodium stearate clogs pores.

    Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Paula's Choice — a brand: sells its own skincare products
      How we know who this is

  2. Sodium stearate in deodorant causes underarm irritation.

    Does not support — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Bubble & Bee Organic — a brand: makes and sells certified organic personal care products
      How we know who this is
      • “In 2007 Bubble & Bee Organic was born.” (their page)
      • “Certified organic since 2009, we blend, bottle and ship to you directly from our facility in Bountiful Utah.” (their page)

Where it shows up