Disliked
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Can worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Some ingredients are known to be potential triggers for seborrheic dermatitis. However, triggers vary greatly between individuals. Keep a diary to identify your personal triggers and work with a dermatologist to develop a gentle, effective routine.
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
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
See all 4,604 products with Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Users who like it
17%
Users who avoid it
83%
What it does
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
Uncommon
Percentage of products that contain it
3.4%
Top categories
Makeup
Sunscreens
Lip Care
Position
Predominant list placement
Top 50%
Concentration
Concentrations we've seen
1%
References
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
79007
INCI Name
POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID
EC #
- / -
All Functions
Emulsifying
