Sodium Stearate
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Cleansing/emulsifying agent | Can be used to adjust the viscosity and stiffness of a formulation
EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Stearate?
Sodium stearate is a cleansing/emulsifying agent that can also be used to adjust the viscosity of cosmetic formulations. It is used as a gelling agent for solid products such as stick-style sunscreens and helps increase the stiffness of bar soaps and waxes. It may also lend itself to waterproofing qualities.
Worth noting, research indicates that sodium stearate can leave a residue, which could potentially clog pores. Another issue, generally speaking, is that bar cleansers/soaps tend to be drying on skin (although it depends on the exact composition of the formula).
Sodium stearate can be synthetically made or animal derived. It is supplied as a white powder in its raw material form.
In their 2019 report, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that sodium stearate is safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in their assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Their report looked at personal care products containing 0.000075–84% concentration of this ingredient.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review Report, May 2019, pages 1-61 [https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=3a3ac6dd-8c74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6]
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Tuna, A.Ö.A., Ö. Esen, and B. Tuğçe, The Investigation of Squeaky Feeling of Soap on The Skin. International Journal of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, 2022. 5(1): p. 69-77. [https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/1803361]
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Factors Affecting Physical Properties of Solid Sunscreen Using Response Surface Methodology. J. Soc. Cosmet. Sci. Korea, Vol.45, No. 3, September 2019, 237-254 [http://dx.doi.org/10.15230/SCSK.2019.45.3.237]
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Personal Care Products Council, Accessed March 2023, ePublication [https://www.personalcarecouncil.org/]
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