Sodium Stearate
A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Sodium stearate
What does it do?
Sodium Stearate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Cleansing
helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
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Viscosity controlling
adjusts the thickness or flow of a formulation
EU regulatory status
Sodium Stearate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Stearate?
Sodium Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Sodium stearate
Is Sodium Stearate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Sodium Stearate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Sodium Stearate do in cosmetic products?
Sodium Stearate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying, viscosity controlling.
What is the CAS number of Sodium Stearate?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Sodium Stearate is 822-16-2.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010