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Hydroxystearic
AKA “12-Hydroxystearic acid, 12-HYDROXYOCTADECANOIC ACID, DL-12-Hydroxystearic acid, Cerit Fac 3, Hydrofol acid 200, Ceroxin GL, Barolub FTO, Stearic acid”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Hydroxystearic
AKA: 12-Hydroxystearic acid, 12-HYDROXYOCTADECANOIC ACID, DL-12-Hydroxystearic acid, Cerit Fac 3, Hydrofol acid 200, Ceroxin GL, Barolub FTO, Stearic acid
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A naturally-derived cleansing agent that gently removes impurities and helps blend oil and water ingredients together for a smooth, unified formula.
Solubility Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform; insoluble in water
Formula
C18H36O3
Mol. Weight
300.50
CAS #
106-14-9
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
This refers to hydroxylated stearic acid derivatives, developed in the 20th century as synthetic emollients and thickening agents. Created to improve texture and stability in cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isostearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Re-evaluation: Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
10-Hydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Linoleic Polyglycerides
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Stearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxystearic
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Linoleic Polyglycerides
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Isostearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Stearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Simultaneous contact sensitivity to hydroxystearic acid and C18-36 acid triglyceride in lip glosses.
Kimura M, Kawada A, Ogino M, Murayama Y
Contact dermatitis, 2002
→
Microemulsions based on TPGS and isostearic acid for imiquimod formulation and skin delivery.
Pescina S, Garrastazu G, Del Favero E, Rondelli V, Cantù L et al.
European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR