murphyAmmonium Stearate
AKA: 1002-89-7, Octadecanoic acid, Ammonium salt, Stearic acid, Ammonium octadecanoate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the natural starting material. Produced through ammoniation of stearic acid, a fatty acid extracted from these plant oils.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe in the present practices of use andconcentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be basedon a QRA...Ammonium Stearate...
Formula
C18H39NO2
Mol. Weight
301.50
CAS #
1002-89-7
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 245)
Skin Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions minimal to slight (CIR 245)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2016 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR