JUCA Stearic Acid

Benefits of using stearic acid for the skin

There is evidence to suggest that using certain products containing stearic acid may help to:

• treat
• reduce eczema symptoms
• reduce inflammation
• retain moisture in the skin

A person should consider speaking with a doctor or dermatologist before using products containing stearic acid to treat a particular skin condition.

Stearic acid-containing cream

Some research has shown that creams containing docosanol and stearic acid can help with skin lesions in mice. Docosanol is a topical treatment for recurrent episodes of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Researchers created the skin lesions by applying an irritant substance to the mice’s abdomens.

When the researchers treated the lesions with the creams, there was a sizeable reduction in the lesions’ progression and severity. The creams made the skin appear less red and ulcerated.

However, it is important to note that animal studies have limitations, and their findings may not apply to humans.

Shea butter

A different example is shea butter, which contains stearic acid. Cosmetic manufacturers oftenTrusted Source use shea butter in their skin care products because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is evidenceTrusted Source to suggest that creams containing shea butter can reduce eczema symptoms.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is another natural, stearic acid-containing substance that could benefit a person’s skin.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source found that virgin coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory effect in vitro.

Another 2018 studyTrusted Source suggested that coconut oil could have several skin care benefits:

• as a moisturizer, coconut oil is just as effective as mineral oil in treating mild to moderate dry skin
• virgin coconut oil decreases the severity of mild to moderate eczema
• it has wound-healing properties
• it can reduce markers of inflammation after sun exposure

A 2021 studyTrusted Source investigated virgin coconut oil and its ability to counteract the negative effects of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as frequently using these sanitizers can lead to skin damage. The study found that applying virgin coconut oil to the hands overnight may help retain moisture before using sanitizer the next day.

Effects on sensitive skin

A 2018 studyTrusted Source investigated how using a moisturizer containing shea butter and coconut oil affected the skin of 35 females. The individuals within this group were 18–60 years old, and they all had sensitive skin.

Over the course of 21 days, the participants applied the moisturizer twice daily to their faces and bodies. None of them reported any long-term adverse effects. However, one person did experience some mild prickling and itching for a few moments.

It is important to note that this study has several limitations. Firstly, its sample size was very small. Additionally, the moisturizer contained other components besides shea butter and coconut oil. This means more conclusive research may be needed to ensure that shea butter and coconut oil are safe for sensitive skin.

Learn more about choosing moisturizers for sensitive skin here.