Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Stearic Acid (Octadecanoic Acid, CAS 57-11-4, molecular formula C₁₈H₃₆O₂, MW 284.48) is a saturated long-chain fatty acid used as a lubricant, emulsifier, and consistency agent in pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing, topical formulations, and cosmetic products. China’s stearic acid production capacity exceeds 2 million metric tons annually from oleochemical facilities processing palm oil, tallow, and hydrogenated vegetable oil feedstocks, with major production centers in Guangdong, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces.
In tablet manufacturing, stearic acid serves as an external lubricant preventing powder adhesion to punch faces and die walls during compression. In topical and cosmetic formulations, it functions as an emulsifier, thickener, and consistency agent in creams and lotions. Pharma-grade stearic acid is produced through high-pressure hydrolysis of fats and oils followed by fractional distillation to achieve the required C18 fatty acid content (typically ≥40% stearic with balance palmitic acid, or ≥90% for triple-pressed grade).
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015, and kosher/halal certifications. Quality testing includes acid value, iodine value, saponification value, congealing point, residue on ignition, heavy metals, and microbial limits. Products comply with USP/NF, EP, and ChP monograph specifications. Vegetable-origin material from RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil sources is available.
Fat splitting and fractional distillation processes are monitored for temperature, pressure, and composition in real time. Molecular distillation achieves high-purity grades with minimal color and odor. Product is flaked, prilled, or powdered to customer specifications. Each batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing before release, with retained samples maintained for the product shelf life.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 57-11-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to yellowish-white flakes or powder |
| Acid Value | 195–210 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤4.0 |
| Congealing Point | 54–70 °C (grade dependent) |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Stearic acid is supplied in 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags or carton boxes, palletized for container loading. Bulk supply in 50 kg bags or 500 kg FIBCs is available. Lead time is 7–12 business days. FOB shipment from Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Qingdao; CIF and DDP terms supported.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, vegetable-origin certificate, kosher/halal certificates, and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification facilitates straightforward global shipping.
China Supply Advantage
China’s integrated oleochemical industry processes millions of tons of fats and oils annually, delivering stearic acid at 20–35% below Western producer pricing. Multiple feedstock options (palm, vegetable, tallow) provide supply flexibility. Chinese stearic acid producers serve pharmaceutical, cosmetic, rubber, and plastics customers in over 80 countries with consistent quality and extensive export logistics experience.