Sodium Stearate

Sodium Stearate is saponified stearic acid—the sodium salt of stearic acid.

Sodium Stearate

Fine white powder

0.5–20%

Smooth powder

Nothing noticeable

245–255° C

10–11

Anionic

Water, alcohol, cosmetic esters

Sodium Stearate has a couple of really neat uses in cosmetics. It functions as a thickener/gelling agent and co-emulsifier. You’ll commonly find it in deodorants, where it is combined with propylene glycol or propanediol to create a solid stick base that actives can be added to.

No, but if you have a formulation that calls for it there’s no substitution.

Sodium stearate only exists as a refined product.

Excellent thickener/gelling agent.

Harder to source than many ingredients, high pH.

I haven’t found any viable alternatives for sodium stearate when used as a gelling agent with propylene glycol/propanediol.

As a thickener, you might try stearic acid, but keep in mind stearic acid is not water-soluble like sodium stearate is.

Slowly sprinkle sodium stearate into the hot aqueous phase to dissolve, whisking to incorporate.

Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, sodium stearate should last at least two years.

Sodium stearate + propylene glycol or propanediol creates a very cool semi-translucent gelled solid!

100g (3.5oz) or less.

Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier.