The ingredient, explained
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
A published expert safety assessment covers the exact ingredient in the specified exposure context.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, homopolymer
About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗
- Emulsifying
- Helps liquids that do not normally mix form a mixture.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Safety assessment
Panel judged the three listed polymers safe in cosmetic uses and concentrations described.
What this does not tell us
Published grouped safety assessment, not efficacy or monomer interchangeability. Manufacturing and exposure bounds apply.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 42493820 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Safety assessment
Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid), and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics. ↗
International journal of toxicology · 2026
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, homopolymer
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID
- CAS registry number
- 27924-99-8, 58128-22-6
- EC number
- - / -
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026