Stearic Acid

Stearic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid that can be derived from either animal fats or vegetable oils. Compared to other long-chain saturated fatty acids that are hypercholesterolemic, experimental diets high in stearic acid (9.3-11.8% of energy) do not raise plasma total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol concentrations but may slightly reduce HDL-cholesterol concentrations.

A saturated fatty acid Stearic acid is used as a raw material in the production of detergents, surfactants, soaps, and cosmetics such as shampoos and shaving cream products. Its salts are used to soften polyvinyl chloride and a component of grease. It is used for the preparation of softeners in textile sizing with castor oil and dietary supplements. It acts as a hardener in candles with simple sugar or corn syrup. It is utilized for the coating of metal powders like aluminum and iron in fireworks. It finds application as a common lubricant during injection molding and pressing of ceramic powders. It acts as a key raw material for the synthesis of stearyl alcohol by reduction.

Stearic Acid, an anti-inflammatory agent, is the hydrogenation product of linoleic acid. This compound has been shown to induce a decrease of cell growth and adhesion and increase hydrophobic properties of collagen films. This was achieved via reaction of lysyl amino groups of the α-chain of collagen films with stearate, which causes a decrease in chemical groups exposed on the surface of the films. Stearic Acid has been noted to induce an increase in ICAM-1 expression in cells, via an increase in phosphorylation of the transcriptional regulator NFκB.