Sodium Stearate
Sodium stearate
- Role
- A sodium soap of stearic acid that controls the viscosity of the base.
- Catalog formulas
- 3
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
The sodium salt of stearic acid. INCI functions: viscosity controlling, emulsifier, cleansing agent and cleansing surfactant.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In the catalogue it appears in deodorant sticks, where as a viscosity controlling agent it helps form the solid base. It does not reduce sweating: it is not an aluminium salt.
The CIR concluded that Sodium Stearate is safe in the present practices of use (1982 assessment, conclusion reaffirmed in 2001); the CIR summary table lists use concentrations of up to 25%.
It is used for consistency; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.
Not the same as Stearic Acid: it is the sodium salt of that acid. Nor is it an aluminium salt: sodium stearate is not an antiperspirant active.
Products containing Sodium Stearate
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: Sodium Stearate Supports: INCI functions, substance identity
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): Sodium Stearate Supports: substance description
- CIR: Quick Reference Table (summary of conclusions, 2014) Supports: safety conclusion, use concentrations