Stearic acid is a natural fatty acid which occurs in both animals and plants. Many suppliers only use the vegetable-derived source of this wax. It forms the basis of many lotions and emulsions, and helps to protect the skin against moisture loss. It can be made to form a soap in situ with triethanolamine or sodium hydroxide, which helps to keep the oil and the water in the emulsion from separating. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Stearic Acid on its list of direct food additives considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Stearic Acid is also permitted as a direct food additive in chewing gum base. The FDA also includes fatty acids on its list of food additives permitted for direct addition to food. The safety of Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid and Palmitic Acid has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data concluded that these ingredients were safe for use in cosmetic products. STEARIC ACID. [CAS: 57-11-4; EINECS: 200-313-4]. Function: Emulsifying/ emulsion stabilising/ refatting/ cleansing.

Source: Dweck, Anthony. Handbook of Natural Ingredients (Dweck Books 4) . Dweck Data.