Potassium stearate is obtained by saponification of an oil or fat. It has the formula CH₃–(CH₂)_16^– COO^–K⁺. The molecule has lyophobic end (CH₃) and a lyophilic end (COO^–K⁺). Potassium stearate is an example of

Colloids which behave as normal electrolytes at low concentration, but exhibit colloidal properties at higher concentration due to the formation of aggregated particles called micelles are referred to as associated colloids. Sodium or potassium stearate is an example of associated colloid or micelle.