Methyl Hydroxystearate

INCI: METHYL HYDROXYSTEARATE

CAS Number
141-23-1 (methyl 12-hydroxystearate, most common form) ; alternate: 2380-01-0 (methyl 10-hydroxystearate)
Function
Skin conditioning, Skin conditioning - Emollient
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed - no specific prohibition; used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

No significant safety concerns identified; fatty acid ester with well-established safety profile in cosmetic use. White to off-white waxy solid; the hydroxyl group on the stearic acid chain provides unique emulsification and thickening capabilities; improves skin condition, reduces wrinkle appearance, promotes homogeneous skin tone, and offers some photoprotective benefit in formulations; derived from hydroxystearic acid (castor oil derivative)

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Concern Level: Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methyl Hydroxystearate safe in cosmetics?

No significant safety concerns identified; fatty acid ester with well-established safety profile in cosmetic use. White to off-white waxy solid; the hydroxyl group on the stearic acid chain provides unique emulsification and thickening capabilities; improves skin condition, reduces wrinkle appearance, promotes homogeneous skin tone, and offers some photoprotective benefit in formulations; derived from hydroxystearic acid (castor oil derivative) The EU classifies Methyl Hydroxystearate as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Methyl Hydroxystearate allowed in the EU?

Methyl Hydroxystearate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methyl Hydroxystearate do in cosmetics?

Methyl Hydroxystearate functions as: Skin conditioning, Skin conditioning - Emollient. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 141-23-1 (methyl 12-hydroxystearate, most common form) ; alternate: 2380-01-0 (methyl 10-hydroxystearate).

What is the Margin of Safety for Methyl Hydroxystearate?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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