Phytosteryl Hydroxystearate
AKA “Plant sterol hydroxystearate
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Phytosteryl hydroxystearate
AKA: Plant sterol hydroxystearate
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Plant phytosterols 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid esters Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural | Functions: Skin Conditioning Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
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.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Moisturising
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
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Insufficient
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR