Question 1

What does Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain: CI 77491 do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is primarily a pigment and mineral-dispersion aid, helping powders, colorants, and mineral UV filters spread evenly in oils and emulsions. It improves suspension, payoff, and texture in makeup, sunscreen, and hybrid complexion formulas.

Question 2

Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain: CI 77491 clean?

Accepted Answer

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well tolerated and has little restricted-list friction. The main watchpoints are quality control for residual processing materials and the purity of any optional mineral colorant present in the blend.

Question 3

Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain: CI 77491 sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is commonly derived from castor-based fatty chemistry, so it can have a renewable feedstock profile. It is expected to be biodegradable as a fatty ester-type polymer, with lower persistence concerns than silicone-based dispersants.

Question 4

Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain: CI 77491 COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It is generally compatible with COSMOS-style natural formulation when made from permitted fatty-acid feedstocks and processed under accepted chemistry rules. It fits Green Chemistry principles reasonably well through renewable sourcing, effective use at low levels, and replacement of less biodegradable dispersion systems.

Question 5

How does Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain: CI 77491 work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is an oligomeric fatty-acid polyester with hydroxyl, ester, and carboxyl functionality, which lets it anchor onto particle surfaces while remaining compatible with oils. Typical use is often around 0.5% to 5% in finished formulas, or adjusted higher relative to pigment load, and it is most useful in anhydrous, emulsion, and mineral-dispersion systems.