murphySodium Stearate
AKA: 822-16-2, Sodium octadecanoate, Octadecanoic acid, Sodium salt, Flexichem B, Stearic acid, Prodhygine, Bonderlube 235, Edenor FHTI, Nonsoul sn 15
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils containing fatty acids. Produced through saponification of these plant-based oils with sodium hydroxide.
Sodium Stearate is a cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying, viscosity controlling. Rated low hazard by EWG.
Solubility SLOWLY SOL IN COLD WATER OR COLD ALC; FREELY SOL IN HOT SOLVENTS
Formula
C18H35NaO2
Mol. Weight
306.50
CAS #
822-16-2
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.
Viscosity Controlling
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Controls Viscosity
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 245 and 777)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 245)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 3 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 245 and 777)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.000075–84%
Rinse-off0.000075–84%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR