Solubilizing agents stearic acid

In topical formulations, stearic acid is used as an emulsifying and solubilizing agent. When partially neutralized with alkalis or triethanolamine, stearic acid is used in the preparation of creams. The partially neutralized stearic acid forms a creamy base when mixed with 5-15 times its own weight of aqueous liquid the appearance and plasticity of the cream being determined by the proportion of alkali used. 

Stearic acid is initially widely used as lubricant in medicine industry [1]. Subsequently, because of its surface activity resulted from amphiphilic molecular structure, stearic acid and its derivatives are also used as solubilizer [2], emulsifier [3], defoamer [4], and the basis of cream [5] or suppository [6]. Its other applications, such as enteric coating material [7], binder agent [8] and some other novel usages [9-11] are also described in this chapter. 

Uses 0/w emulsifier, solubilizer, pigment wetting agent/dispersant tor use in hair and bath preps., pigmented prods. lubricant and conditioner for hair and skin emulsifier tor creams and lotions accelerates pearling in stearic acid-based emulsions... 

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