Ingredient
12-Hydroxystearic Acid
INCI name: Hydroxystearic Acid
Hydroxystearic Acid
12-HSA
What it is
A castor-oil-derived fatty acid used as a gelling and thickening agent, especially to structure oil-based cleansing balms and sunscreen emulsions.
How it works
Self-assembles into a fibrous network within the oil phase, transforming liquid oils into a semi-solid gel while contributing a light emollient after-feel.
What it does
Emollient
Emulsion stabiliser
Viscosity controlling
Concerns to know
-
Well tolerated
No significant safety concern is reported for this ingredient as used in cosmetics.