Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Hydroxystearic Acid

12-Hydroxystearic acid

Safety Notes

Hydroxy fatty acid; from castor oil hydrogenation; waxy solid; structuring agent; emollient; used in stick formulations; well-tolerated

Function & Common Use

Function

Emollient / Viscosity Agent / Wax Component

Category

Emollient

Common In

Lip products anhydrous products sticks

Origin

Vegetable (castor oil derivative)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hydroxystearic Acid safe to use in skincare?

Hydroxystearic Acid has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Hydroxy fatty acid; from castor oil hydrogenation; waxy solid; structuring agent; emollient; used in stick formulations; well-tolerated

Is Hydroxystearic Acid allowed in India?

Hydroxystearic Acid is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Hydroxystearic Acid used for in cosmetics?

Hydroxystearic Acid functions as: Emollient / Viscosity Agent / Wax Component. It is commonly found in: Lip products anhydrous products sticks.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS106-14-9
EC203-366-1

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