Very Disliked
Hydroxystearic Acid
May feed Fungal Acne
Non-fungal acne-safe products contain ingredients that can worsen fungal acne. If you suspect fungal acne, consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis.
Explained
Hydroxystearic Acid (HSA) is a wax-like fatty acid. It is a surfactant, emollient, and emulsifier.
Surfactants are cleansing ingredients. They reduce the surface tension of dirt and grime to be removed easily.
HSA is an emulsifier in certain formulations. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne, safe.
See all 428 products with Hydroxystearic Acid
Users who like it
11%
Users who avoid it
89%
What it does
Cleansing
To free from dirt, contamination, or impurities
Emulsifying
The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
Surfactant
When added to liquid, surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants
Prevalence
Less common
Percentage of products that contain it
0.3%
Top categories
Lip Care
Moisturizers
Makeup
Position
Predominant list placement
Top 50%
References
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
34555
INCI Name
HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID
EC #
 203-366-1
All Functions
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Surfactant
