Hydroxystearic Acid
AKA: 12-Hydroxystearic acid, 12-HYDROXYOCTADECANOIC ACID, 106-14-9, DL-12-Hydroxystearic acid, Cerit Fac 3, Hydrofol acid 200, Ceroxin GL, Barolub FTO, Loxiol G 21
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
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
Liquid
State
Other Solid; Liquid; Dry Powder
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.
Buffering
Removes Impurities
Emulsifier
Cleansing Surfactant
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic derivative of stearic acid developed in early-to-mid 20th century cosmetic chemistry. Used as a thickening agent and emollient to improve the feel and stability of cosmetic creams and lotions.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR