Trihydroxystearin
Trihydroxystearin
Trihydroxystearin is a wax-like lipid derived from hydrogenated castor oil that is used as a thickening, stabilising, and suspending agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps increase viscosity, improve texture, and keep pigments, powders, and other insoluble ingredients evenly dispersed throughout a product. It is commonly found in sunscreens, foundations, lipsticks, creams, and ointments where it contributes to product consistency and prevents separation during storage. Although it is derived from fatty acids, its primary role is to improve formulation performance rather than provide direct skincare benefits.
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Safety: Generally well tolerated by most skin types. It is considered a low-risk cosmetic ingredient and is unlikely to cause irritation or allergic reactions when used at typical cosmetic concentrations.
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Comedogenic rating(likelihood of clogging pores)
1/5 — Very low likelihood
✓ Does not disqualify fragrance-free, alcohol-free, SLS-free or paraben-free claims
Common names & aliases
No aliases recorded
Functions
🫙 Thickener
Adjusts the viscosity and texture of the formula.
⚖️ Stabiliser
Prevents ingredients from separating, degrading, crystallising, or losing their intended texture and performance.
🌉 Suspending Agent
Suspending agents are used to prevent insoluble solid particles from settling out of the emulsion.
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Found in these products