Phytosteryl Hydroxystearate

AKA: Plant sterol hydroxystearate

Plant-Derived

Skin Conditioner

Clean

OriginDerived from plant phytosterols and 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (a saturated fatty acid), typically sourced from vegetable oils. Synthesized through esterification, chemically bonding phytosterols with hydroxystearic acid under controlled conditions.

Plant phytosterols 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid esters

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

Dryness

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

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.

Locks in moisture

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Concentration Guide

CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.

CIR · report published 2013

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR