Polyhydroxystearic Acid
AKA “Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Polyhydroxystearic acid
Synthetic · Surfactant - Emulsifying | Emollient | Skin Conditioning · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together, creating a smooth, stable texture that applies evenly on skin.
CAS #
27924-99-8, 58128-22-6
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Botanical. Derived from stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid found in plant and animal oils. Produced through catalytic hydrogenation and hydroxylation of stearic acid to introduce hydroxyl groups.
Plant Source
Not applicable – Synthetic ingredient
Function
Surfactant - Emulsifying | Emollient | Skin Conditioning
Benefits
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic derivative of stearic acid created to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic formulations; developed as part of modern chemistry advances to enhance product feel without traditional animal-derived stearic acid.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score1
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1, medical-approval, pregnancy-nursing-safe, all-shades-safe, Not an Irritant
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR