Knowra Stearic acid Stearic acid Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms, abundant in animal fats and plant oils. It is used in soaps, cosmetics, and other products.
Fatty acid : A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a hydrocarbon chain, found in fats and oils and used to build lipids. Stearic acid is one member of this family, with a saturated 18-carbon chain.
Melting point : The melting point is the temperature at which a solid and its liquid form coexist at equilibrium. Stearic acid melts near 69.6 °C, reflecting the close packing of its straight saturated chains.
Soap : Soap is a salt of a fatty acid that can help disperse oils in water. Stearic acid salts contribute cleansing action and can make soap bars harder.
Cocoa butter : Cocoa butter is the fat extracted from cocoa beans, rich in stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids. It is a plant-derived fat notably rich in stearic acid.
Dietary fat : Dietary fat is food-derived lipid that supplies energy and essential fatty acids and supports nutrient absorption. Stearic acid is one fatty acid encountered in dietary fats.
Saturated fat : A saturated fat contains fatty-acid chains with no carbon–carbon double bonds. Stearic acid’s chain has no double bonds, a feature associated with its relatively high melting point.
London dispersion force : London dispersion forces are attractions caused by temporary fluctuations in electron distributions. These attractions between long hydrocarbon chains help explain stearic acid’s high melting point.
Cosmetics : Cosmetics are substances applied to the body for cleansing, protection, or appearance. Stearic acid acts as a thickener, emulsifier, or emollient in many cosmetic formulations.
Shea butter : Shea butter is a fat extracted from the kernels of the shea tree’s fruit. Its triglycerides contain substantial stearic acid, contributing to its firmness.
Cholesterol : Cholesterol is a sterol used in animal cell membranes and as a precursor to steroid hormones and bile acids. Compared with several other saturated fatty acids, stearic acid has a relatively neutral effect on blood LDL cholesterol.
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