10-Hydroxystearic Acid

10-Hydroxystearic Acid molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 10-HYDROXYOCTADECANOIC ACID, 638-26-6, Octadecanoic acid, 10-hydroxy-octadecanoic acid, CHEBI:143095
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Support
Plant Oil
Acid
Not Clean
Octadecanoic acid, 10-hydroxy-
Formula
C18H36O3
Mol. Weight
300.50
CAS #
638-26-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Nourishes & Protects
Traditional Use
A synthetic hydroxylated fatty acid developed for the cosmetics industry to improve emollient and conditioning properties. Engineered to enhance the performance of traditional plant-based oils and butters.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR