Skincare Ingredient
Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
In Skincare: Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Polyhydroxystearic acid is frequently utilized to coat mineral sunscreen actives, promoting even distribution across the skin.
- 02
Beyond its use in sunscreens, polyhydroxystearic acid functions as an emulsion stabilizer, film-former, and texture-enhancing thickener in skincare formulations.
- 03
In makeup products, polyhydroxystearic acid assists with the cohesive distribution of pigments.
- 04
Derived from castor oil, polyhydroxystearic acid presents as a soft, pliable wax with a light tan to brown color.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Role of Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Emulsifying SurfactantBlends oil and water phases into stable mixtures
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.
Products
containing Polyhydroxystearic Acid
One-step login · Made for your skin
Want analysis that actually fits your skin?
Sign in once — we'll remember your skin type and make every analysis more relevant for you. for free!
Joined by people who care about their skin
References
Scientific sources
Making Cosmetics, Accessed October 2021, ePublication
Cosmetics Business, April 2016, ePublication
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polyhydroxystearic Acid — common questions
What is Polyhydroxystearic Acid in skincare?
12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, homopolymer
What does Polyhydroxystearic Acid do? / Functions of Polyhydroxystearic Acid?
Common functions: SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Polyhydroxystearic Acid? / Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Polyhydroxystearic Acid has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Polyhydroxystearic Acid clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid safe for skin?
Polyhydroxystearic Acid has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally considered low hazard and used as a dispersant and emollient in cosmetics; limited specific comedogenicity and irritation data. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluate
Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid good for sensitive skin?
Polyhydroxystearic Acid tolerance on sensitive skin varies by individual.
What are the side effects of Polyhydroxystearic Acid in skincare?
Known considerations: Generally considered low hazard and used as a dispersant and emollient in cosmetics; limited specific comedogenicity and irritation data. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated it as safe for use in cosmetics, noting minimal concerns for skin irritation or sensitization based on available data.