Hydroxystearic Acid
An emollient fatty acid. It thickens the formula and stabilizes the emulsion, and softens skin. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Hydroxystearic Acid (INCI: Hydroxystearic Acid) is an emollient fatty acid derived from stearic acid. In a formula it plays a double role: it thickens the texture and stabilizes the emulsion, while also softening the skin and leaving a more comfortable feel. It is a functional ingredient with a texture and emollient role, not a treatment active. It does not fix wrinkles or pigmentation; its value is in the product's structure and feel. At that task it is effective and very common in creams and solid formulas. Applied topically it is not meaningfully absorbed, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is high, with low irritation potential and low allergy risk. Its comedogenic rating is very low (1), so it rarely causes problems, even on oily-prone skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hydroxystearic Acid safe during pregnancy?
Hydroxystearic Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Hydroxystearic Acid for?
Hydroxystearic Acid suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Hydroxystearic Acid and what does it do in cosmetics?
An emollient fatty acid.
Is Hydroxystearic Acid comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Hydroxystearic Acid?
The INCI name is Hydroxystearic Acid.
See Hydroxystearic Acid in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
i-Menthol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Iron Oxides, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Sodium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, CI 42090 (Blue 1)
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