What Is Stearamide Diba-Stearate?
Stearamide Diba-Stearate is a waxy substance created from stearic acid, a fatty acid usually sourced from plant oils such as coconut or palm as well as from animal tallow. Chemically it is an amide and di-ester, which gives it a long carbon chain structure that feels rich and buttery to the touch. It first appeared in personal care formulations in the late 1960s when chemists were searching for plant-based thickeners that could replace mineral waxes and improve the look of creams and cleansers. Production starts with stearic acid that is reacted with ammonia to form stearamide, then further esterified with additional stearic acid to yield Stearamide Diba-Stearate. The finished ingredient is a soft off-white solid that melts readily into oils and emulsions.
Because it adds creaminess and opacity, you will find Stearamide Diba-Stearate in products like moisturizers, body butters, sunscreens, liquid foundations, cleansing balms, clay masks, bubble baths and even some styling creams. Its ability to improve foam makes it popular in shaving preparations and body washes, while its thickening power helps stabilize richer anti-aging formulas.
Stearamide Diba-Stearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this multitasker to give products a smoother feel, better appearance and reliable texture.
- Opacifying – It turns clear or translucent formulas into luxurious creamy emulsions, hiding uneven color and giving lotions a more elegant look
- Foam boosting – In cleansers and bath products it strengthens and stabilizes bubbles, so lather feels denser and lasts longer during use
- Viscosity controlling – Its waxy nature thickens water-in-oil and oil-in-water systems, helping suspend pigments or exfoliating beads and preventing separation over time
Who Can Use Stearamide Diba-Stearate
Thanks to its non-reactive waxy nature, Stearamide Diba-Stearate is generally well tolerated by normal, dry and mature skin. Its richness can help reduce moisture loss, making it especially comforting for people whose skin feels tight or flaky. Oily or acne-prone skin may find very thick formulas containing high levels of this ingredient a bit heavy because the wax can sit on the surface and trap sebum, so lightweight alternatives could be a better fit for that group.
Suitability for vegans and vegetarians depends on sourcing. Stearic acid used to make Stearamide Diba-Stearate can come from either plant oils or animal tallow, and labeling laws do not always require brands to specify which. If following a strict plant-based lifestyle, look for products that clearly state the ingredient is derived from coconut or palm sources or choose brands with vegan certification.
There is no evidence that topical Stearamide Diba-Stearate poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any skincare product to a qualified healthcare provider before use.
The ingredient is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also does not interfere with common actives such as retinoids, vitamin C or acids, which means it can sit alongside most routines without issue.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient differ from person to person. The issues below are only potential effects and are unlikely for the average user when the product is formulated correctly.
- Mild irritation or redness in very sensitive skin
- Temporary clogged pores or breakouts if used in thick layers on acne-prone areas
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific stearic acid sensitivity
- Heavy or greasy feel that some users simply find cosmetically unpleasant
If any stinging, swelling or persistent blemishes appear after applying a product containing Stearamide Diba-Stearate, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Stearamide Diba-Stearate is built from long-chain fatty components that can sit on the skin surface, yet its amide-ester structure makes it less greasy and less likely to clog pores than pure oils or butters. Most raw data group it with other stearic-based waxes that score around 2, meaning low to moderate potential for congestion when used at higher levels or in heavy formulas.
Suitable for acne-prone skin only in lightweight products used sparingly; thick balms or rich creams containing large percentages may feel occlusive for those who break out easily.
Real-world pore-clogging risk depends on the overall product: lower percentages in foaming cleansers or lotions are usually no issue, while high levels in dense body butters could be problematic on the face.
Summary
Stearamide Diba-Stearate thickens, opacifies and boosts foam by adding a creamy wax matrix that stabilises bubbles, increases viscosity and scatters light so formulas look smooth and uniform. Its long fatty chains melt into oil phases, locking the emulsion in place while lending a plush skin feel.
It is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline ingredient, appearing in many cleansers, sunscreens and makeup bases where consumers seldom notice its presence yet benefit from the improved texture.
Safety studies and decades of use show low irritation and allergen potential for most people. While generally safe, anyone trying a new product that contains it should patch test first since individual sensitivities vary.