Stepan Company, along with its various subsidiaries, specializes in the production and sale of both specialty and intermediate chemical compounds. These chemicals are supplied to other manufacturers for integration into a diverse range of finished goods.

The company's operations are divided into three primary business segments: Surfactants, Polymers, and Specialty Products. The Surfactants division focuses on surface-active agents, which are key ingredients in numerous consumer and industrial cleaning formulations, including detergents for laundry, dishes, carpets, and hard surfaces, as well as personal care items like shampoos and body washes. Beyond cleaning, these surfactants are utilized in fabric softeners, germicidal quaternary compounds, disinfectants, and as lubricating components. Their applications also extend to agricultural emulsifiers and various industrial processes involving latex systems, plastics, and composites. The Polymers segment manufactures polyurethane polyols, critical for producing rigid foam used in thermal insulation within the construction sector. These polyols also act as foundational raw materials for coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers (collectively known as CASE applications). This division further supplies both liquid and powdered polyester resins, which are also employed in CASE products.

Additionally, it produces phthalic anhydride, an essential component in unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins, and plasticizers found in building materials, automotive parts, marine vessels, and other consumer items. Finally, the Specialty Products segment provides flavors, emulsifiers, and solubilizers specifically designed for incorporation into food, flavoring systems, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical applications. Stepan Company's market reach is international, with operations spanning the United States, France, Poland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, and other global territories.

The company was established in 1932 and is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois.