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Surfactant

POTASSIUM HYDROXYSTEARATE

Updated
86

Safety score · 0–100

Good

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

A castor-oil-derived potassium soap that gently cleanses and adjusts viscosity. The fatty-acid-soap class has decades of safe-use history; only caveat is alkalinity, which formulators offset through proper pH balancing.

Function

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Skin benefits

  • Mild fatty-acid soap surfactant
  • Provides viscosity and emulsion stability
  • Castor-oil-derived (renewable feedstock)
  • Good skin compatibility

Known concerns

  • Alkaline — formulations need pH adjustment
  • Mild defatting at high concentration
  • No significant concerns at cosmetic concentrations

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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CANDIDA BOMBICOLA/CANOLA OIL/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.