Hydroxystearyl Alcohol and Hydroxystearyl Glucoside

TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic oil-in-water emulsifier and texture builder. It helps disperse oils into water while supporting lamellar structures that improve cream stability and skin feel.

What does Hydroxystearyl Alcohol and Hydroxystearyl Glucoside do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a nonionic oil-in-water emulsifier and texture builder. It helps disperse oils into water while supporting lamellar structures that improve cream stability and skin feel.

Is Hydroxystearyl Alcohol and Hydroxystearyl Glucoside clean?

It has a strong clean-beauty profile because it is generally well tolerated, non-ethoxylated, and not associated with common allergen labeling or major restricted-list friction. Sensitivity is still possible in any emulsified formula, but this material is typically considered low concern.

Is Hydroxystearyl Alcohol and Hydroxystearyl Glucoside sustainable?

This ingredient is commonly made from renewable plant-derived sugar and fatty alcohol feedstocks, often associated with castor-based chemistry. It is expected to be biodegradable and has a better persistence profile than silicone or fluorinated emulsifying systems.

Is Hydroxystearyl Alcohol and Hydroxystearyl Glucoside COSMOS-approved?

It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulations when sourced and processed according to the standard. Its renewable feedstocks, nonionic sugar chemistry, and biodegradability align well with Green Chemistry principles.

How does Hydroxystearyl Alcohol and Hydroxystearyl Glucoside work chemically?

The molecule is a blend of a C18 hydroxylated fatty alcohol and a glucose-derived alkyl it, which self-organizes at oil-water interfaces and can form liquid-crystal gel networks. Typical use levels are about 1% to 3% for emulsification, with broad pH compatibility in standard cosmetic ranges and good heat-process stability during emulsion manufacture.

Last updated 2026-05-14