Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Stearic Acid?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Stearic Acid is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults (men and women), stearic acid in creams and lotions is generally safe. It helps products feel smooth and usually does not irritate skin or cause allergic reactions.

✅What to Do

Use products as directed. If you have sensitive skin, try a small patch on your inner arm first. Don’t apply to broken or raw skin. If a product lists stearic acid near the top of the ingredient list (very high amount), consider choosing a milder product. If you notice redness, itching, or a rash, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

⚠️Warnings

Regulatory sources note it is safe in food and cosmetics but that there are data gaps about safe concentration levels (source: industry safety review). One environmental agency says it may harm the environment, so avoid pouring large amounts of products down drains (source: Environment Canada). Also be aware exposures can add up from food and skin care products (source: FDA notes multiple uses). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and worried, ask your healthcare provider, though current data show low risk for reproductive or developmental problems (source: regulatory reviews).

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Environmental: A national environmental agency (Environment Canada) lists stearic acid as a suspected environmental toxin. That means it may harm aquatic life or ecosystems if released into the environment, so there is a real ecological risk to consider.
Long-Term Risk: Industry review panels and regulators note gaps in the safety data and that safety conclusions rely on reported maximum use concentrations rather than complete long-term studies (noted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and related regulatory comments). The U.S. food regulator also describes it as used in food with limited toxicity information. These data gaps mean there is some uncertainty about effects from repeated, long-term exposure.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Stearic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

stearic acidSTEARIC ACID, SAJ FIRST GRADE, >=90.0%BB 0268543I727STEARIC ACID, PURISS., >=98.5% (GC)STEARIC ACID, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALUNII-79P21R4317 COMPONENT QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-NSTEARIC ACID, EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA (EP) REFERENCE STANDARDCD7993EA-AD14-452A-A907-33376CC98790STEARIC ACID, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDUNII-X33R8U0062 COMPONENT QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Stearic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Stearic Acid or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Stearic Acid

Is this safe for adults to use Stearic Acid?

Yes, Stearic Acid is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the environmental risks of Stearic Acid for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What are the long-term risk risks of Stearic Acid for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Stearic Acid?

Stearic Acid is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Stearic Acid?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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