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Stearic acid

Stearic acid suppliers and sourcing guide

Stearic acid is an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid, sold as white flakes, beads or powder. Commercial stearic acid is made by splitting fully hydrogenated vegetable oils (palm, soy) or tallow into fatty acids and glycerin, then distilling and sometimes fractionating the fatty acids. Most grades are a blend of stearic and palmitic acids. Brands buy it as a tablet lubricant and binder, a coating and release agent, and a base for emulsifiers and stearate salts.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Octadecanoic acid · C18:0 fatty acid · E570 · Vegetable stearic acid
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of stearic acid

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Triple-pressed / blended grades

    Mixtures of stearic and palmitic acid, roughly half and half, the most common commercial form.

  • High-purity stearic acid

    Grades with 90% or more stearic acid by GC, used where a defined fatty acid profile is needed.

  • Pharmacopeial grades

    Stearic acid 50 and stearic acid 95 type grades tested to the USP-NF or Ph. Eur. monograph.

  • Vegetable and RSPO grades

    Vegetable-derived grades for vegetarian labels, with RSPO certified palm options.

  • Physical forms

    Flakes, beads and fine powder; powder is used for direct blending in tablets.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Fatty acid composition
Stearic and palmitic acid content by GC, reported against the grade.
Acid value and saponification value
By titration, confirming the material is free fatty acid with the expected chain length.
Iodine value
A measure of remaining unsaturation, kept low by full hydrogenation.
Melting or congealing point
Confirms grade and purity.
Unsaponifiable matter and heavy metals
Unsaponifiable matter by extraction and metals by ICP-MS, including nickel left from hydrogenation catalysts.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from heat and oxidizers; it is stable but can soften or clump in warm storage. Powdered grades are dusty and should be handled with dust control. The supplier sets shelf life or retest date, with acid value and appearance rechecked on older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

The stearic-to-palmitic ratio and particle size vary by grade and lot, which changes lubrication and melting behavior. Record fatty acid composition and source (vegetable or animal) per lot.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1090 affirms stearic acid as GRAS as a direct food ingredient for use as a flavoring agent and adjuvant, and describes it as produced from hydrolyzed tallow or hydrolyzed, completely hydrogenated vegetable oil from edible sources.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 172.860 permits fatty acids, including stearic acid, manufactured from fats and oils derived from edible sources, as a food additive meeting stated specifications.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses allows stearic acid as a release agent and lubricant in foods sold in tablet form.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Stearic acid suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking stearic acid suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of stearic acid can brands buy?

Common forms include triple-pressed / blended grades, high-purity stearic acid, pharmacopeial grades, vegetable and RSPO grades and physical forms. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for stearic acid include?

Expect fatty acid composition, acid value and saponification value, iodine value, melting or congealing point and unsaponifiable matter and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should stearic acid be stored?

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from heat and oxidizers; it is stable but can soften or clump in warm storage. Powdered grades are dusty and should be handled with dust control. The supplier sets shelf life or retest date, with acid value and appearance rechecked on older stock.

What is the regulatory status of stearic acid?

21 CFR 184.1090 affirms stearic acid as GRAS as a direct food ingredient for use as a flavoring agent and adjuvant, and describes it as produced from hydrolyzed tallow or hydrolyzed, completely hydrogenated vegetable oil from edible sources. 21 CFR 172.860 permits fatty acids, including stearic acid, manufactured from fats and oils derived from edible sources, as a food additive meeting stated specifications. Health Canada's List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Accepted Uses allows stearic acid as a release agent and lubricant in foods sold in tablet form.

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