Stearic acid (C17H35CO2H) is a waxy solid saturated fatty acid, which contains 18-carbon chains. It naturally occurs in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, certain animal fats, and the milk of several mammals. It is commercially available in a mixture of either palmitic acid or a small quantity of oleic acid and is used in manufacturing detergents and cosmetics such as shampoos, shaving products, and soaps. The esters of stearic acid with glycol distearate and ethylene glycol create a pearly and soft effect in shampoos, soaps, detergents, and cosmetics products. In addition, stearic acid is also used in niche applications such as fireworks, metal processing and polishing, candles, and lead-acid batteries. Cleansers are manufactured from quaternary alkylammonium derivatives of stearic acids.