Hydroxystearic Acid
May feed Fungal Acne
Fungal acne-safe products avoid ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast, the cause of fungal acne. Unlike regular acne, fungal acne appears as small, uniform bumps and won't respond to typical acne treatments. 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 299 products with Hydroxystearic Acid
Users who like it
14%
Users who avoid it
86%
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
Prevalence
Less common
Percentage of products that contain it
0.3%
Top categories
Lip Care
Moisturizers
Sunscreens
Position
Predominant list placement
Top 50%
References
Products with Hydroxystearic Acid
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
34555
INCI Name
HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID
EC #
 203-366-1
All Functions
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Surfactant