Back to Catalog
Salts & Minerals

Sodium stearate

CAS: 822-16-2

Overview

Sodium stearate (CAS 822-16-2 ) is the sodium salt of stearic acid, recognized commercially as sodium octadecanoate. It functions as a soap-forming agent, emulsifier, and lubricant across food processing and industrial applications.

In personal care and soap manufacturing, it is the primary structuring agent in bar soaps and solid cosmetic sticks, providing firmness and lather. It is essential for creating stable, solid formulations in the cosmetic industry.

Plastics processors use it as an internal and external lubricant and stabilizer during PVC compounding. This improves melt flow and prevents degradation during extrusion, ensuring high-quality finished plastic products for various industrial uses.

In metalworking and industrial lubrication, it acts as a base component in dry lubricant formulations. It also serves as an effective release agent for metal forming operations, reducing friction and wear on machinery.

Food-grade material is used as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent in select processed food applications. It is supplied as a white powder or flakes, with particle size and purity varying by the specific application grade required.

Food-grade material is available to FCC specification, while technical and industrial grades serve plastics and lubricant applications. These grades ensure the material meets the necessary safety and performance criteria.

Cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades meeting USP or Ph.Eur. standards are also commercially available for personal care and regulated formulations. These high-purity options are ideal for sensitive manufacturing environments.

Contact us for supply of Sodium stearate

Physical Properties

Melting Point225 °C
Density0.854 g/cm³ (liquid)
Appearancewhite to off-white powder
Colorwhite
Odorwh. fine powd., fatty (tallow) odor
FormPowder
Water SolubilitySOLUBLE IN COLD AND HOT WATER
Log P8.216 (est)

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS09 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H401 Toxic to aquatic life H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29157090
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

Stearic acidsodium salt | Octadecanoic acidsodium salt | Sodium octadecanoate | Flexichem B | Bonderlube 235 | Edenor FHTI | Nonsoul sn 15 | Octadecanoic acidsodium salt (1:1)

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
822-16-2
EC Number
212-490-5
Mol. Weight
306.5
HS Code
29157090

Industries

Documentation