Back to Ingredient Dictionary

STEARAMINE

Description

Stearamine, also known as octadecylamine, is a long-chain aliphatic amine derived from stearic acid. This versatile ingredient plays a crucial role in various skincare and personal care formulations. With its chemical formula C18H39N, stearamine exhibits both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, making it an effective emulsifier and conditioning agent.

In skincare products, stearamine functions as a stabilizer, helping to maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. Its emulsifying properties allow for the seamless blending of oil and water-based components, resulting in smooth, homogeneous formulations. Additionally, stearamine acts as a thickening agent, contributing to the desired viscosity of skincare products.

Stearamine's cationic nature enables it to adsorb onto the skin and hair surfaces, providing a conditioning effect. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in hair care products, where it helps to reduce static and improve manageability. In skincare, stearamine can enhance the skin's feel and appearance by imparting a silky, smooth texture.

While generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, it's important to note that stearamine may cause irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin. As with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended before widespread use.