🌿 Introduction: The Secret Behind the Smoothness
When you apply a face wash, deodorant stick, or shaving cream and feel that smooth, velvety texture—it’s often because of Sodium Stearate. This versatile compound is one of the most widely used cosmetic-grade emulsifiers, thickeners, and surfactants.
At Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., we are a trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-purity Sodium Stearate for cosmetic, personal care, and hygiene product manufacturing in India and overseas. With its plant-based origin, safe profile, and multi-functionality, Sodium Stearate plays a key role in delivering consumer comfort and product performance.
🧪 What is Sodium Stearate?
Sodium Stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid, derived primarily from plant oils like palm or coconut. It appears as a white, waxy powder or flakes and is odorless, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
- Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₃₅NaO₂
- Appearance: Fine white powder or translucent flakes
- Solubility: Dispersible in water, forms soapy gel with heat
- Origin: Typically vegetable-based (palm oil, coconut oil)
It is the primary component in many soap bars and is used to stabilize emulsions, thicken liquids, and create the solid form of deodorant sticks, face cleansers, and creams.
🧴 Key Functions of Sodium Stearate in Cosmetic Formulations
Sodium Stearate is prized for its three-in-one function in cosmetics: emulsifier, structurant, and cleansing agent. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Emulsifying Agent
It allows oil and water to mix smoothly in creams and lotions by stabilizing emulsions. This improves product texture and prevents separation over time.
🧴 Common in: Face moisturizers, lotions, sunscreens, BB creams
2️⃣ Thickening & Structuring Agent
When added to liquids, Sodium Stearate thickens the formula into a creamy or semi-solid consistency. It also gives structural integrity to stick-based products.
🧼 Used in: Deodorant sticks, shaving soaps, balm bars, foundation sticks
3️⃣ Mild Surfactant & Cleanser
It gently breaks down oils and dirt on the skin surface, making it useful in cleansers and soaps without harshness.
🧼 Used in: Syndet bars, liquid facial washes, organic soaps
📋 Top Cosmetic Applications of Sodium Stearate
Let’s break down where and how Sodium Stearate is used in modern cosmetic products:
🧼 1. Soap & Cleansing Bars
Sodium Stearate is the main ingredient in glycerin soap bars and transparent cleansing bars. It gives firmness, improves foam quality, and ensures even melting during use.
🔍 Used in: Herbal soap, beauty bars, baby cleansing bars
🧴 2. Deodorant & Antiperspirant Sticks
It transforms liquid deodorant formulas into solid stick form, giving structure without greasiness. Its non-comedogenic nature makes it safe for underarms.
🔍 Used in: Roll-on deodorants, unisex antiperspirant sticks, natural body odor bars
🧴 3. Shaving Creams & Gels
Sodium Stearate creates rich, stable foam and adds smooth glide during shaving. It is often combined with stearic acid for moisturizing effects.
🔍 Used in: Shaving foams, brushless creams, after-shave bars
💧 4. Facial Cleansers
Its mild surfactant property removes oil and grime without stripping skin. Perfect for sensitive skin face washes or acne-safe cleansing gels.
🔍 Used in: Micellar cleansers, foaming gels, oil-control face wash
💄 5. Cosmetic Creams & Lotions
Sodium Stearate improves emulsion stability, gives a creamy texture, and helps prevent water-oil separation in skincare creams.
🔍 Used in: Cold creams, sunscreens, daily face creams, winter moisturizers
🧾 Technical Specifications – Vinipul Sodium Stearate
Property | Specification |
---|---|
Appearance | White powder or semi-translucent flakes |
Assay (Purity) | ≥98% |
pH (1% solution) | 9.0 – 11.0 |
Moisture Content | ≤3% |
Melting Point | 245–255°C |
Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Hg) | ≤10 ppm |
Residue on Ignition | ≤1.5% |
Origin | Vegetable-based (Palm/Coconut) |
Packaging | 25 kg HDPE bags or customized sacks |
Grade | Cosmetic |
🧾 Regulatory Compliance and Global Acceptability
Sodium Stearate is globally approved for cosmetic use and adheres to strict safety standards.
✅ Key Certifications:
- Cosmetic Grade (USP/FCC compliant)
- ISO 9001 & GMP Certified
- REACH & RoHS Compliant (EU)
- FSSAI Licensed (if required for dual use)
- Non-GMO | Vegan | Halal | Cruelty-Free
It is also listed in the U.S. FDA Inactive Ingredient Database and the European Commission’s CosIng database, making it suitable for export-grade cosmetics and OTC personal care products.
🌍 Packaging, Delivery & Export Options
At Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., we supply Sodium Stearate across India and to international cosmetic manufacturers.
📦 Packaging Options:
- 25 kg HDPE bags with inner liners
- Custom-printed export sacks available on request
- Palletized shrink-wrapped packaging for sea export
🚚 Delivery & Export:
- Domestic delivery to Mumbai, Gujarat, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad
- Exports to UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Korea, USA & Europe
- Documentation support: COA, MSDS, TDS, SDS, Non-animal origin letter
🤔 Buyer FAQs – Voice Search & AEO Optimized
✅ These FAQs are optimized for Google Featured Snippets, LEO (Language Engine Optimization), and voice search answers.
Q1. What is sodium stearate used for in cosmetics?
Sodium Stearate is used as an emulsifier, cleanser, and structuring agent in soaps, creams, and deodorant sticks. It helps mix oil and water, adds foam, and gives solid texture to cosmetic products.
Q2. Is sodium stearate safe for skin?
Yes. Sodium Stearate is dermatologically safe, non-toxic, and widely used in personal care. It is approved by global regulatory bodies and suitable for sensitive skin.
Q3. Is sodium stearate vegan or animal-based?
At Vinipul, we offer vegetable-origin sodium stearate made from palm or coconut oils—making it vegan and cruelty-free.
Q4. Can sodium stearate cause skin irritation?
Generally, it is well-tolerated. However, high concentrations in leave-on products may cause mild dryness. It is safe when used within cosmetic formulation limits.
Q5. Is sodium stearate natural or synthetic?
It is naturally derived from fatty acids (like stearic acid) found in plant oils. It is then reacted with sodium hydroxide to form this salt.
Q6. What is the pH of sodium stearate in cosmetic use?
Typically between 9 to 11, which is alkaline and suitable for cleansing applications like soaps and facial washes.
Q7. Does sodium stearate foam well?
Yes. It is responsible for producing rich, stable lather in soaps, shaving creams, and foaming cleansers.
Q8. Can I use sodium stearate in handmade soap making?
Absolutely. It is a preferred base in glycerin soap and melt-and-pour soap crafting due to its foaming and hardening properties.
Q9. How is sodium stearate different from stearic acid?
Stearic acid is a fatty acid. Sodium Stearate is its sodium salt—formed by neutralizing stearic acid with sodium hydroxide.
Q10. Where can I buy bulk sodium stearate in India?
You can buy high-quality sodium stearate from Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., a trusted supplier and exporter based in Mumbai. Contact Us
💼 Why Choose Vinipul Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.?
🏭 Trusted Manufacturer & Exporter
- Over a decade of industry expertise
- Fully compliant with ISO, GMP, and FSSAI
- In-house testing and batch traceability
- Timely dispatch and responsive logistics
🧪 Custom Solutions
- Tailored particle size or flow characteristics
- Ready-to-fill packaging for cosmetic lines
- Bulk and small-batch production support
🤝 Client-Focused Approach
- Transparent pricing and ethical sourcing
- Dedicated account support for OEM buyers
- Documentation, testing, and regulatory assistance
🔗 Internal Interlinking Suggestions
- Contact Us
- Ferric Chloride Supplier
- Sodium Bicarbonate in Cosmetics (optional future page)
- Full Product List