Sodium Stearate

Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid commonly formed by saponification and used in toiletries. It acts as a cleansing surfactant and structurant, enabling solid sticks, opaque bars, and rich, stable foams.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A soap-forming ingredient that cleanses and helps bars hold shape.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It cleanses by lifting excess oil and debris while producing a satisfying lather, and helps products hold their shape for convenient, low-mess use.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's found in deodorant sticks, facial cleansing bars, and shaving soaps to provide cleansing action and solid structure.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It's generally safe, especially in rinse-off formats, but may cause dryness or mild irritation with frequent use or on sensitive skin due to higher pH. Avoid broken skin and eye contact.

Is Sodium Stearate a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good as an effective cleansing surfactant and structurant with a long track record, though its soap-like alkalinity can be drying for some skin types, which keeps it out of the top tier.

Products with Sodium Stearate

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