Fatty Acids
Whole Oils
Neutralizers
Thickeners
Other
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is derived from whole oils and is void of glycerin. It saponifies quickly and can cause cold processed soap to sieze. If the temperature of the soap is allowed to drop when using stearic acid it can cause false trace. It is used to add hardness to sodium based soaps and to add thickness to liquid soaps. Many cream soaps use stearic acid. Stearic acid is not water soluble and can cloud liquid soaps.
Properties added to soap: Hardness
Bar (NaOH) SAP:0.1412
Liquid (KOH) SAP:0.1980
Iodine Value:2.0
INS Value:196
Benefits to biodiesel glycerin soaps:
- Stearic acid will participate in glycerin negation when used in biodiesel glycerin soaps.
- Bar Soap - Stearic acid can help to harden bar soap made with biodiesel glycerin.
- Liquid Soap - Biodiesel glycerin liquid soap will not benefit from the use of stearic acid.
- Hybrid Soap - Stearic acid can add creaminess to biodiesel soaps that use both sodium and potassium based glycerin.