Potassium Hydroxystearate
AKA “Potassium 12-hydroxystearate, UNII-21BAV0FPAX, 21BAV0FPAX, 34326-46-0, Octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, potassium salt (1:1), RefChem:175499, (+-)-POTASSIUM HYDROXYSTEARATE, POTASSIUM HYDROXYSTEARATE [INCI], POTASSIUM HYDROXYSTEARATE, (+-)-
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Potassium hydroxystearate
AKA: Potassium 12-hydroxystearate, UNII-21BAV0FPAX, 21BAV0FPAX, 34326-46-0, Octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, Potassium salt (1:1), RefChem:175499, (+-)-POTASSIUM HYDROXYSTEARATE, POTASSIUM HYDROXYSTEARATE [INCI], (+-)-
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe in the present practices of use andconcentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be basedon a QRA...Potassium Hydroxystearate...
Formula
C18H35KO3
Mol. Weight
338.60
CAS #
34326-46-0
Form
Liquid
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 Surfactant
Removes Impurities
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic surfactant created by combining potassium with stearic acid derivatives. Developed in the 20th century for use as a mild cleanser and emulsifier in contemporary skincare and body care products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR