Phytosteryl Hydroxystearate
AKA “Plant sterol hydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Ingredient Facts
Phytosteryl hydroxystearate
AKA: Plant sterol hydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Plant phytosterols 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid esters
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester combining phytosterols with hydroxylated stearic acid. Created in modern cosmetics laboratories as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
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: CosIng · EWG · CIR