Lead Stearate is used as a lubricant-cum-stabiliser at very low levels in combination with basic Lead stabilisers. It cannot be used as a primary stabiliser due to it's lubricating qualities and because of compatibility considerations. It melts at about 98 - 106^OC. It generally lowers down the electrical properties. In acting as a hydrogen chloride acceptor it liberates Stearic Acid which has limited compatibility and may thus exude from the Vinyl composition. The proportion used must be carefully regulated to suit the individual working conditions and lubrication requirements. Extra use can lead to surface blooming by the migration of Stearic Acid.

It is used in all extruded, moulded and calendered products of PVC except for foodstuff containers. This can be used as the sole lubricant ingredient for plasticized PVC applications, particularly for cable covering. While Lead Stearate provides only low stability to PVC on being used alone, it shows strong synergism with other stabilisers. For example, when used in combination with Barium or Cadmium Stearates, it gives PVC Compounds increased clarity and sufficient heat stability for low temperature and low speed fabrication. It affects transparency adversely if used at over 0.5 phr. Like other Lead based stabilisers, it is also prone to Sulphur staining.