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Stearic Acid Market Size Growing at 5.36% CAGR, Set to Reach 12.95 million Tons by 2030 | Exclusive Report by Mordor Intelligence

December 12, 2025

The global stearic acid market is valued at 9.98 Million tons in 2025 and projected to reach 12.95 Million tons by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.36%. Stearic acid, a widely used saturated fatty acid sourced from both animal fats and vegetable oils, continues to be a vital raw material across multiple industries. Its applications span soaps and detergents, plastics manufacturing, cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceutical formulations, and rubber processing. Rising demand for eco-friendly and plant-based feedstocks, coupled with expanding consumption in Asia-Pacific markets, is expected to drive long-term growth. Growing consumer preference for plant-based and traceable ingredients, coupled with sustainability mandates, is reshaping procurement models worldwide. Asia-Pacific continues to dominate production and consumption, supported by integrated palm-oil supply chains and expanding oleochemical capacity. Meanwhile, premium cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades are registering the fastest uptake, as buyers increasingly demand high-purity, certified inputs. Emerging Trends & Developments Personal Care Growth : Clean-label and natural formulations are fueling demand for cosmetic- and pharma-grade stearic acid. Brands are substituting petrochemical waxes with vegetable-based fatty acids, ensuring hypoallergenic and sustainable product lines. Detergent Sector Expansion : Rising urbanization and disposable incomes in Asia-Pacific drive household laundry growth, lifting demand for soaps and surfactants. Premium detergent formats incorporate higher stearic acid loadings, enhancing product performance. Shift Toward RSPO-Certified Feedstocks : Sustainability commitments are accelerating adoption of certified palm stearin, with companies ensuring traceability to plantation levels. This trend aligns with consumer expectations and regulatory requirements in Europe and North America. Biodegradable Plastics : Stearic acid is increasingly used as a lubricant in 3D-printed biodegradable plastics, supporting the transition toward eco-friendly materials. Read the full report and access market snapshots that include both global views and Japan-specific analysis:  https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ja/industry-reports/stearic-acid-market?utm_source=marketersmedia Stearic Acid Segments By Feedstock Vegetable-Based Sources: Accounted for 66.93% share in 2024, forecast to grow at 5.59% CAGR through 2030. RSPO-certified palm stearin dominates this segment. Animal-Based Sources: Retain niche relevance in rubber additives and regions with abundant tallow supply, though facing challenges related to traceability and consumer perception. By Grade Triple-Pressed Stearic Acid: Largest segment with 46.18% share in 2024, widely used in soaps and detergents. Cosmetic/Pharma Grade: Fastest-growing category, expected to expand at 8.23% CAGR through 2030, driven by demand for high-purity inputs. Rubber Grade: Integral to tire and hose manufacturing, aiding vulcanization processes. Food Grade: Supported by FDA GRAS status, used in flavoring and glazing applications. By Application Plastics: Largest outlet with 24.90% share in 2024, particularly in PVC production. Personal Care: Fastest-growing application, projected to reach 1.9 Million tons by 2030. Soaps and Detergents: Provide steady baseline demand, especially in Asia-Pacific. Rubber Processing, Textiles, and Other Uses: Niche but stable contributors to overall market growth. By Geography Asia-Pacific: Dominates with 72.20% share in 2024, forecast to grow at 5.83% CAGR. North America: Premium buyer base, reliant on imports but focused on certified inputs. Europe: Sustainability-led growth, with strict purity and traceability standards. South America & Middle East/Africa: Emerging growth territories, supported by agro-industrial bases and rising urban populations Key Players Featuring in the Stearic Acid Industry 3F Industries Ltd Acme-Hardesty Adani Wilmar Ltd BASF SE Croda International Plc Emery Oleochemicals Godrej Industries Limited IOI Oleochemical Kao Corporation KLK OLEO New Japan Chemical Co. Ltd Oleon NV Pacific Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd Procter and Gamble PT SMART Tbk Twin Rivers Technologies, Inc. VVF Ltd Wilmar International Ltd Explore Chemicals & Materials Industry Research:  https://www.mordorintelligence.com/market-analysis/chemicals-materials?utm_source=marketersmedia Conclusion Asia-Pacific will remain the global hub, benefiting from integrated supply chains and expanding oleochemical capacity. Meanwhile, North America and Europe will continue to emphasize certified, traceable inputs, creating opportunities for suppliers who can meet stringent standards.Despite challenges such as feedstock price volatility and ESG-driven capital flight from palm-based supply chains, the market’s diversification across applications and geographies ensures resilience. Companies that invest in sustainable sourcing, energy-efficient processes, and specialty-grade production are well-positioned to capture growth.

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