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Emollient

Hydroxystearic Acid

A fatty acid with a waxy-cream feel that helps to thicken the texture, stabilize the oil phase, and make the formula smoother. In skincare and makeup, Hydroxystearic Acid often works more as a structural component rather than as an active.

fatty acidtexturestabilityemollient
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Hydroxystearic Acid - a derivative of stearic acid with an additional hydroxyl group. In cosmetics, it is used to alter the density, slip, and stability of emulsions, balms, sticks, and pigmented formulas.

Creams, sunscreens, foundations, sticks, balms, lip products, and formulas where a creamier, more stable, or waxy texture is needed.

Key Benefits

✦
Improves the structure of the formula.
Helps to make the oil phase denser, creamier, or resistant to separation.
◈
Adds a soft slip.
Can soften application and reduce dry or powdery stiffness of the finished product.
✧
Supports pigmented textures.
In decorative cosmetics, it helps pigments and waxes to stay in a more even matrix.

Suitable for

creamsSPFfoundationsstick formats

Main Actions

✓ texture support✓ thickening✓ emollient feel✓ stabilization
It's more about the product's form.

Hydroxystearic Acid should not be evaluated as a standalone therapeutic active. Its effect on the skin is usually indirect: through comfort, density, slip, and stability of the finished formula.

CategoryEmollients

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hydroxystearic Acid do for skin?
Creams, sunscreens, foundations, sticks, balms, lip products, and formulas where a creamier, more stable, or waxy texture is needed.
Who should use Hydroxystearic Acid?
Hydroxystearic Acid is suitable for: creams, SPF, foundations, stick formats.
Are there any warnings about Hydroxystearic Acid?
Hydroxystearic Acid should not be evaluated as a standalone therapeutic active. Its effect on the skin is usually indirect: through comfort, density, slip, and stability of the finished formula.

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