murphyPotassium Stearate
AKA: 593-29-3, Potassium octadecanoate, Octadecanoic acid, Potassium salt, Potassium n-octadecanoate, Pure, REXANOL, NONSOUL MK 2
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid, typically sourced from coconut, palm, or animal fats through saponification processes. Produced by neutralizing stearic acid with potassium hydroxide to form the potassium salt.
Potassium Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying. Rated low hazard by EWG.
Formula
C18H35KO2
Mol. Weight
322.60
CAS #
593-29-3
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
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
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR