murphyTEA-Stearate
AKA: 4568-28-9, Octadecanoic acid, Compd. with 2, 2''-nitrilotris(ethanol)(1:1), Triethanolamine stearate, Octadecanoate;tris(2-hydroxyethyl)azanium, CCRIS 6278
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid, typically sourced from palm or animal fats, combined with triethanolamine. Produced through esterification of stearic acid with triethanolamine under heat and controlled conditions.
Stearic acid, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotriethanol (1:1)
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C24H51NO5
Mol. Weight
433.70
CAS #
4568-28-9
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
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
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Dermal Absorption 0.46–0.51%
2 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 594)
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off9%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2013
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR