Hydroxystearic Acid
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 acid
AKA: 12-Hydroxystearic acid, 12-HYDROXYOCTADECANOIC ACID, DL-12-Hydroxystearic acid, Cerit Fac 3, Hydrofol acid 200, Ceroxin GL, Barolub FTO
Synthetic · Cleanser · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A naturally-derived cleanser that gently removes impurities while helping to blend water and oil-based ingredients together for smooth, stable formulas.
Solubility Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform; insoluble in water
Formula
C18H36O3
Mol. Weight
300.50
CAS #
106-14-9
Form
Liquid
State
Other Solid; Liquid; Dry Powder
See origin →
Functions
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic derivative of stearic acid developed in early-to-mid 20th century cosmetic chemistry. Used as a thickening agent and emollient to improve the feel and stability of cosmetic creams and lotions.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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)
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Stearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxystearic Acid
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