Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
8 study endpoints found for Stearic Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 10000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 3200 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 3000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 300 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 10000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 3200 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 3000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 300 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Stearic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: CIR
Expert Verdict
Fatty acid used as in situ soap emulsifier when neutralized by TEA (triethanolamine) during hot-mix to form triethanolamine stearate, an anionic O/W emulsifier with pearlescent finish. Use level 2-5% with 0.5-1.5% TEA; requires pH >7 for complete neutralization.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stearic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Fatty acid used as in situ soap emulsifier when neutralized by TEA (triethanolamine) during hot-mix to form triethanolamine stearate, an anionic O/W emulsifier with pearlescent finish. Use level 2-5% with 0.5-1.5% TEA; requires pH >7 for complete neutralization. The EU classifies Stearic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT. 8 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is Stearic Acid allowed in the EU?
Stearic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 20-40%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Stearic Acid do in cosmetics?
Stearic Acid functions as: emulsifier. It is classified as a Emulsifier in our database. CAS number: 57-11-4.
What is the Margin of Safety for Stearic Acid?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Stearic Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Stearic Acid is 10000 mg/kg bw/day based on a Chronic study via oral route in rat. A total of 8 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Compliance Tools
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Related Ingredients
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