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Sustainable Lubricants, Softening Agents,
And Release Agents For
Building And Construction -
Natural Lubricants For
Wire Drawing To Reduce
Surface Defects
Sustainable Stearic Acids
Stearic Acid Supplier for Industrial Applications
Emery Oleochemicals is a stearic acid supplier offering sustainable EMERY® and EMERSOL® grades designed for performance across rubber and plastics processing, lubricants and release agents, candles and waxes, soaps and detergents, textiles, and other industrial applications. Backed by more than 185+ years of oleochemical expertise, our stearic acids help customers balance consistency, functionality, and sustainability.
Our stearic acids are also used in a broad range of applications, including:
- building and construction
- candles and wax
- carrier fluids
- cleaning agents
- soap bars
- defoamers
- deinking
- detergent agents
- emulsifiers
- industrial intermediates
- lubricants
- plasticizers
- rubber intermediates
- surfactants
- solubilizer
- textile and leather auxiliaries
What Is Stearic Acid?
Stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, C18H36O2, CAS 57-11-4) is a saturated C18 fatty acid produced from natural fats and oils through fat splitting, hydrogenation, and distillation. Commercial stearic acid is typically a blend of stearic (C18) and palmitic (C16) acids; a range of industry-standard purities are available to fit your applications. It is widely used in rubber and plastics processing, lubricants, textiles, candles, soaps and detergents.
Sustainable Sourcing
Choose stearic acid grades with the feedstock and composition your application requires. Emery Oleochemicals offers the following options:
| Stearic acid grade | Available feedstock | Grade designation |
|---|---|---|
| 43% | Vegetable-based | Triple-pressed |
| 50% | Vegetable- or tallow-based | Triple-pressed |
| 65% | Vegetable- or tallow-based | SA65% / C18:65% |
Our vegetable-based, triple-pressed grades are available under the RSPO Mass Balance supply chain model, supporting responsible palm sourcing. Mass Balance certification tracks certified palm material through the supply chain; it does not apply to tallow-based products. Learn more about Emery’s RSPO Mass Balance supply chain certification.
Stearic Acid Applications
Rubber & Plastics Processing
Stearic acid for rubber and plastics processing serves applications that include rubber intermediates, plasticizers, and processing lubricants. Emery’s portfolio includes rubber-grade stearic acid for industrial formulations.
Lubricants & Release Agents
Stearic acid for lubricants and release agents supports industrial applications, including building and construction. Explore grades for use in formulations requiring lubrication, softening, or release properties.
Textiles
Stearic acid for textiles is used in the production of textile auxiliaries. Emery’s stearic acid applications also include leather auxiliaries.
Candles & Waxes
Stearic acid for candles and waxes is available for a range of formulation needs. Compare grades by titer, color, and fatty acid composition to find an option that meets your product specifications.
Soaps & Detergents
Stearic acid for soaps and detergents is used in the production of soap bars, cleaning chemicals, and detergent agents. Choose a grade that aligns with your formulation and feedstock requirements.
Stearic Acid Grades and Specifications
Our sustainable stearic acid portfolio includes multiple grades with varying acid value, iodine value, titer, color, and chain distribution characteristics to support different formulation and performance needs. Review the specifications below to identify the right product for your application, then request the technical data sheet for more detail.
| Product | Description | Acid Value mgKOH/g | Iodine Value % | Titer °C | Color % Trans. Nm. | Chain Distribution % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 440 | 550 | C16 | C18 | |||||
| EMERSOL® 120 Request TDS | Double-Pressed Tallow Stearic Acid | 205-210 | 5-7 | 53.7-54.7 | 88 min | 99 min | 38-44 | 43-48 |
| EMERSOL® 132 NF Request TDS | Triple-Pressed Tallow Stearic Acid | 205-211 | 0.5 max | 54.5-55.5 | 93 min | ≥ 40 | 40-60 | |
| EMERY® 400 Request TDS | Rubber Grade Tallow Stearic Acid | 193-212 | 10 max | 52-65 | 35 min | 40 min | 27-38 | 54-64 |
| EMERY® 420 Request TDS | Hydrogenated Tallow Stearic Acid | 200-207 | 1 max | 57.2-63 | 85 min | 98 min | 26-33 | 58-65 |
| EMERY® 422 Request TDS | Hydrogenated Tallow Stearic Acid | 203-209 | 1 max | 55.8-60 | 90 min | 99 min | 36-40 | 52-57 |
| EMERY® 7130 Request TDS | Vegetable Stearic Acid | 205-211 | 0-0.5 | 54.5-57 | 50 | 95 | 51-57 | 41-47 |
| EMERY® 7132 Request TDS | Vegetable Stearic Acid | 203-210 | 1.0 | 54-60 | 90 | 98 | 40-49 | 51-60 |
Not sure which specifications to prioritize? Share your application and performance requirements with our team for help narrowing your options.
Also in the EMERSOL® range: EMERSOL® oleic acids.
Stearic Acid FAQs
What is the difference between vegetable and tallow stearic acid?
Vegetable stearic acid is derived from vegetable oils, while tallow stearic acid is derived from animal fats. When choosing between them, compare the grade’s technical specifications with your formulation requirements, then consider any feedstock sourcing requirements.
Explore Emery’s vegetable fatty acids and tallow fatty acids for product specifications and application information.
How do I choose the right stearic acid grade?
Start by matching the grade’s specifications to your application. Compare C16/C18 fatty acid composition, acid value, iodine value, titer, and color against your formulation and processing requirements. Then confirm any feedstock or certification requirements.
Contact our technical team to discuss your application and request a technical data sheet or sample.
How can I confirm sourcing and certification options for stearic acid?
Confirm the feedstock source and any required certification for your selected grade with Emery’s team. In July 2023, Emery Oleochemicals announced that its Cincinnati plant had achieved RSPO Mass Balance (MB) Supply Chain Certification.
Read the RSPO Mass Balance certification announcement for details, and contact us to confirm certification availability for your selected product.
Where can I explore related fatty acid products?
Browse our OleoBasics product portfolio for additional natural-based chemical solutions, or explore EMERSOL® oleic acids for related product specifications and applications.