Use of Stearic Acid in Supppositories

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Stearic acid is a type of fatty acid that is commonly found in the oils and fats from animals and plants. It is also a commonly used ingredient in cosmetic products and soaps.

Uses in suppositories

Stearic acid can be used as an ingredient in suppositories. It is an emollient and can help to soften the skin. It can also be used as an emulsifier to thicken and improve the texture of the product.

It can be used in suppositories to treat hemorrhoids. It is also a laxative for constipation and may be used in suppositories for gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhea, colic, etc.

HSDB record: C18H36O2

The chemical formula for stearic acid is C18H36O2. This is an odorless, tasteless, white solid that melts at 156 degF (69 degC). It can be obtained through alkaline hydrolysis of fats.

Historically, this has been done by heating the fatty acids in an alkaline solution (called saponification). This is the process that results in “lye soap” or “sodium soap.” Pure stearic acid is very difficult to obtain and usually includes trace amounts of other fatty acids with different carbon chain lengths. These impurities can cause the stearic acid to have varied physical and chemical properties, such as molecular weight, solubility, melting point, color, and odor.