Comedogenic rating
Stearic Acid Comedogenic Rating
Rating
2
out of 5 (range 2 to 3)
Pore-clogging risk
ModerateClogs pores for some people, especially on oily or breakout-prone facial skin.
Category
Ester or alcohol
Stearic acid rates a moderate 2 to 3 and is a common thickener and emulsifier that gives creams their smooth, stable body.
What a rating of 2 means
A rating of 2 to 3 reflects stearic acid's role as a structural fatty acid in creams. It is rarely used alone but appears in many moisturizers as a thickener, and in high concentrations it can feel occlusive on acne-prone skin.
Fatty acid profile
Stearic acid is a single saturated fatty acid also found naturally in skin, shea butter, and tallow. As an isolated ingredient it helps emulsify and stabilize creams, giving them a smooth, lotion-like texture.
Key fatty acids: Stearic acid.
Profile: A single saturated fatty acid used as a thickener.
Best for
- Used as a formulation ingredient
Use caution with
- Acne-prone skin in high concentrations
Who should use it
Stearic acid is a formulation ingredient rather than a standalone product. It appears in countless moisturizers, and most skin types tolerate it well at normal use levels.
How it compares to beef tallow
Stearic acid is one of the natural fatty acids in beef tallow. In tallow it sits in a balanced blend with oleic and palmitic acids rather than being isolated, which keeps the overall product around a rating of 2.
How to apply it
You will encounter stearic acid inside formulas rather than on its own. Judge the finished product, not the single ingredient.
Common questions
Is stearic acid comedogenic?
Stearic acid rates about 2 to 3 and is moderate on the comedogenic scale. It is mostly used as a thickener in creams rather than on its own.
What does stearic acid do in skincare?
Stearic acid thickens and stabilizes creams, giving them a smooth, lotion-like texture. It is a structural fatty acid also found in skin and tallow.
Is the stearic acid in beef tallow a problem?
No. In tallow, stearic acid is part of a balanced fatty acid blend, which keeps the overall product low to moderate on the comedogenic scale.
Want richness with a low comedogenic rating?
Beef tallow rates around 1 to 2 and mirrors skin sebum, which makes it an easy face swap if stearic acid feels too heavy or clogging. Misun Health uses a single grass-fed ingredient with no fragrance or fillers.
Compare related ingredients
- Beef Tallow (rates 2)
- Jojoba Oil (rates 2)
- Shea Butter (rates 2)
- Olive Oil (rates 2)
- Rosehip Oil (rates 1)
- Castor Oil (rates 1)
Educational content only. This page is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Comedogenic ratings are general guides that can vary by source and by individual skin. Patch test new products before regular use.