Stearic acid is used in a very large variety of different household products from personal care lotions, creams and deodorants to foundations, mascaras and health supplements. It also occurs naturally in many oils and butters used in foods.

Stearic acid is isolated from natural fat sources. The raw fat source is saponified in boiling water and the resulting mixture is distilled and the various fatty acids can be separated.

Experts report that the most commonly used raw materials for the manufacture of stearic acid are beef tallow, palm oil, cottonseed oil and safflower oil. As such, vegans, strict vegetarians, those wishing to reduce their consumption of animal byproducts/GMOs and those adhering to a Kosher or Halal diet should avoid products containing stearic acid unless it is certified vegan, Kosher or Halal by an accredited third-party organisation.

Stearic acid, as a natural component of plant fats, can be found in single ingredient products like coconut oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil and much more.

Stearic acid is used in the large-scale production of paraffin-based candles. Its addition hardens the candles and since a very common source of the ingredient is beef tallow, there’s a very strong possibility that your candles aren’t vegan.