Hydroxystearic

AKA: 12-Hydroxystearic acid, 12-HYDROXYOCTADECANOIC ACID, 106-14-9, DL-12-Hydroxystearic acid, Cerit Fac 3, Hydrofol acid 200, Ceroxin GL, Barolub FTO, Stearic acid, Loxiol G 21
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the starting material. Produced through catalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids to create saturated hydroxystearic compounds.
12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid is a hydroxy fatty acid that is stearic acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 12. It has a role as a plant metabolite and a bacterial xenobiotic metabolite. It is a hydroxyoctadecanoic acid and a secondary alcohol. It is a conjugate acid of a 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate.
Solubility Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform; insoluble in water
Formula
C18H36O3
Mol. Weight
300.50
CAS #
106-14-9
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR