Hydroxystearic Acid

Good

Emollient

No known benefits

Hydroxystearic Acid at a glance

  • May be derived from castor oil or created in a lab
  • Also known as octadecanoic acid and 12-hydroxystearic acid
  • Considered a surfactant when used in soaps
  • Considered a hydrating fatty acid when used in leave-on products

Hydroxystearic Acid description

Hydroxystearic acid is a fatty acid-based ingredient that has much versatility. It can work in cleansing formulas as a surfactant while adding emollient and texture-enhancing properties to products such as moisturisers, makeup, and sunscreens. The natural form derived from castor oil is used most, but hydroxystearic acid can also be made synthetically. It is chemically similar to stearic acid, another fatty acid used in thousands of skin care, makeup, and hair care products since it is non-irritating and works well in many types of formulas. Emerging research from a supplier of an oleic acid-derived form of hydroxystearic acid shows it may play a role in reducing pore size and fading discolourations; however, independent research is needed to verify such claims. Research from Unilever shows it works to help offset hyperpigmentation triggered by exposure to airborne pollutants, possibly due to its antioxidant ability which prevented the oxidation of lipids (fats) in skin that would normally occur when exposed to such pollutants. Hydroxystearic acid is considered safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations of 10% or less. The typical usage level for this ingredient is 1-5%.

Hydroxystearic Acid references

  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2019, pages 240-256
  • Experimental Dermatology, June 2019, pages 742-746
  • International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 18, Issue 1, January 1999, pages 1-10
  • https://www.acme-hardesty.com/hydroxystearic-acid-uses-cosmetics/
  • https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/hydroxystearic-acid

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Calificaciones de ingredientes

Best

Probado y respaldado por estudios independientes. Ingrediente activo excepcional para la mayoría de los tipos de piel o problemas.

Good

Necesario para mejorar la textura, estabilidad o penetración de una fórmula.

Average

Generalmente no irritante, pero puede presentar problemas de aspecto, de estabilidad u otros que limiten su utilidad.

Bad

Hay probabilidad de irritación. El riesgo aumenta cuando se combina con otros ingredientes problemáticos.

Worst

Puede causar irritación, inflamación, sequedad, etc. Puede ofrecer algún beneficio en cierta medida, pero en general, se ha comprobado que causa más daño que beneficio.

Desconocido

No pudimos encontrarlo en nuestro diccionario de ingredientes. Registramos todos los ingredientes que faltan y realizamos actualizaciones continuas.

No calificado

Aún no hemos calificado este ingrediente porque no hemos tenido la oportunidad de revisar las investigaciones existentes sobre él.