In food, it is used as a surface active agent and fiber softener, loose agent, blowing agents, anti-caking agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, it can be used for cakes, maximum use of 0.18g/kg.
In cosmetics, potassium stearate is thickener in cleansing lotions and shampoos, gelling agent for some oil type cosmetics. Also it is lubricant and emulsifier in the plastics industry.