Potassium Stearate
AKA: 593-29-3, Potassium octadecanoate, Octadecanoic acid, Potassium salt, Potassium n-octadecanoate, Pure, REXANOL, NONSOUL MK 2
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
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
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
Traditional Use
A potassium salt of stearic acid developed in the 19th century as a synthetic soap and emulsifier. Replaced traditional tallow-based soaps and is used in modern cosmetics for cleansing and stabilization.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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