1. Chemical and physical properties:

• Chemical formula: C18H36O2.

• Physical condition: At normal temperature, stearic acid is a white wax solid material, with melting point of about 69-70 ° C.

• Solubility: Stearic acid does not dissolve in water, but it dissolves in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform.

• Source: Stearic acid is obtained from animal sources (e.g. beef grease) or vegetable (e.g. palm oil and coconut oil).

2. Advantages and Characteristics:

• Saturated fatty substance:
  • Stearic acid is classified as saturated fat acid, which means that it contains monoclonal bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. This makes it less reactive compared to unsaturated fatty acids.

• Temperature stabilizers:
  • Due to its relatively high melting point, stearic acid has good stability at normal temperatures and when exposed to moderate heat.

• Oxidizing resistant:
  • Steric acid is less prone to oxidation compared to unsaturated fatty acids, which makes it stable for long periods.

3. Main uses:

• Cosmetic and skincare industry:
  • Stearic acid is commonly used in the cosmetic industry such as creams, ointments, shampoos, and moisturizers. It is also used as an effective substance in cleansing skin because it contains flexible and moisturizing properties.

• Soap Industry:
  • Stearic acid is an essential ingredient in the soap industry, as it is used in the manufacture of solid soap. When steric acid reacts with alkaline (such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), soap is formed that has the ability to clean the skin.

• Agro-Food:
  • Stearic acid is used in the food industry as an emulsion and food additive to improve texture and texture in products such as chocolate, candy, and baked products. Acts as a fixer in food ingredients, and helps prevent the clump of oil and water ingredients.

• Pharmaceutical Industries:

• Plastic and rubber industry:
  • Stearic acid in the plastics and rubber industry is used as an additive to improve material properties, helping in the manufacturing process and enhancing the material’s ability to resist corrosion and damage.

4. Environmental and health advantages:

• Natural ingredient:
  • Stearic acid is naturally extracted from vegetable oils or animal fats, making it a more natural option compared to some synthetic chemical ingredients in cosmetics and food products.

• Effective emulsion:
  • Stearic acid is an active substance in forming emulsions, making it important in many industrial applications that require the integration of oil with water well.

• Safety of use:
  • In usual uses in cosmetic and industrial preparations, stearic acid is considered safe. However, care should be taken if there are personal allergies or skin reactions.

5. Defects and challenges:

• Health effects in case of excessive consumption:
  • Although stearic acid is used in the food industry, saturated fatty acids in general, when consumed in large quantities, may increase cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

• Weak absorption ability in the skin:
  • In some cosmetic applications, stearic acid may need more effectiveness and composition with other ingredients to increase its absorption by the skin