Calcium stearate is produced by the double decomposition reaction of sodium stearate and calcium chloride. It is a fine white powder with a metal calcium content of 6.5%, a melting point of 149–155°C, a heating loss of less than 2%, a relative density of 1.08, a fineness of 99.5% passing through a 0.075mm sieve, and a free acid content (calculated as stearic acid) of 0.5%. It is hygroscopic in air.

This product can be used as a heat stabilizer for polyethylene, offering good lubricity and excellent processing performance. When used in combination with zinc soaps and epoxy compounds, it exhibits a synergistic effect, enhancing heat stability. When used with basic lead salts and lead soaps in rigid products, it accelerates the gelation rate. In polyethylene and polypropylene, it helps eliminate the adverse effects of residual catalysts on resin color and stability. It is also widely used as a lubricant and release agent for thermosetting plastics such as polyolefins, polyester reinforced plastics, phenolic resins, and amino resins.