PRODUCTS

HYDROXYSTEARİC ACİD

Hydroxystearic Acid (HSA) is a hydroxy-functional saturated fatty acid widely used as a specialty chemical intermediate, rheology modifier, lubricant additive, and thickening agent.
The most commercially important grade is 12-Hydroxystearic Acid (12-HSA), which is produced primarily from renewable castor oil feedstocks.
Due to the presence of both a carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl group within the same molecule, hydroxystearic acid exhibits unique physical and chemical properties that make Hydroxystearic Acid valuable across numerous industries.

CAS Number: 106-14-9
Chem/IUPAC Name: 12-Hydroxystearic acid
EINECS/ELINCS No: 203-366-1
COSING REF No: 34555
Molecular Formula: C18H36O3
Molecular Weight: 300.48 g/mol

Synonyms: 12-HSA,12-hydroxystearic,12-hydroxy-octadecanoicaci,12-HYDROXYOCTADECANOIC ACID,KOW,16-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid,Octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy-,harwaxa,d-12HSA,Harwax A

Hydroxystearic Acid (HSA) is a hydroxylated fatty acid derived primarily from stearic acid or through the hydrogenation of ricinoleic acid obtained from castor oil.
The most common commercial grade is 12-Hydroxystearic Acid (12-HSA), which is widely used in lubricants, greases, cosmetics, coatings, plastics, and specialty chemicals.

Hydroxystearic acid (often called 12-HSA) is a versatile, vegetable-based fatty acid derived from castor oil.
Hydroxystearic acid serves as a highly effective emollient, surfactant, and thickening agent in cosmetics, and is a crucial chemical component used to manufacture heavy-duty lithium lubricating greases and industrial waxes.

Hydroxystearic acid is a hydroxy fatty acid that is stearic acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 12.
Hydroxystearic acid has a role as a plant metabolite and a bacterial xenobiotic metabolite.
Hydroxystearic acid is a hydroxyoctadecanoic acid and a secondary alcohol.

Also called Hydroxystearic acid and 12-HSA, hydroxystearic acid is a fatty acid surfactant, emollient and thickener.
Hydroxystearic acid is used widely in a variety of personal care and cosmetics products, including skin care preparations, hair products and deodorizing products.

Structurally similar to stearic acid, hydroxystearic acid is entirely vegetable-based and derived from naturally-occurring fats and oils, most commonly castor oil.
12-HSA is synthesized by oxidizing 2-hexylcyclododecanone with a mixture of permaleic and peracetic acids in methylene chloride.
This forms the lactone of hydroxystearic acid, and alkaline hydrolysis of the lactone produces 12-HSA.

Hydroxystearic Acid is a fatty acid with properties similar to stearic acid, making Hydroxystearic Acid quite desirable in the cosmetic industry.
Hydroxystearic Acid is primarily an emollient that nourishes and softens the skin and hair.
Hydroxystearic Acid also acts as a thickener in products like moisturizers, gels, and shampoos to achieve a luxurious consistency.
When added to cleansing products, Hydroxystearic Acid works as a surfactant to leave the surface clean and dirt-free.
This acid is safe for the skin as well as the environment and appears in the form of solid flakes.
Hydroxystearic Acid is also known as octadecanoic acid or 12-HSA.
The chemical formula of Hydroxystearic Acid is C18H36O3.

Hydroxystearic Acid is one of many castor oil derivatives sold by Acme-Hardesty.
Also known as Hydroxystearic Acid and 12-HSA, Hydroxystearic Acid is used as a thickener for silicon grease, as a rubber activator/accelerator and in the manufacture of certain personal care products, among other applications.
Use Hydroxystearic Acid as a sustainable alternative to other emollients and thickeners.

Sold in solid flakes, hydroxystearic acid has a typical shelf life of up to two years past date of manufacture — the exact shelf life will vary based on storage conditions.
To get the longest life out of hydroxystearic acid, store the chemical according to material safety data sheet (MSDS) recommendations.

Chemical Structure and Characteristics
12-Hydroxystearic Acid is a saturated C18 fatty acid containing a hydroxyl (-OH) group at the twelfth carbon atom and a carboxyl (-COOH) group at the terminal carbon.
This dual functionality allows Hydroxystearic Acid to participate in esterification, amidation, neutralization, and other chemical reactions while also contributing to hydrogen bonding and self-association behavior.

Chemical Profile
Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₃₆O₃
Molecular Weight: 300.5 g/mol
Melting Point: Roughly 75 °C to 82 °C
Appearance: White to cream-colored flakes, powder, beads, or granules
Acid Value: Typically 175–185 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value: Typically 160–180 mg KOH/g
Melting Point: Approximately 76–82°C
Density: Approximately 0.94–0.96 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and ether, but practically insoluble in water.

Hydroxystearic Acid is a fatty acid with properties similar to stearic acid, making it quite desirable in the cosmetic industry.
Hydroxystearic acid is primarily an emollient that nourishes and softens the skin and hair.
Hydroxystearic acid also acts as a thickener in products like moisturizers, gels, and shampoos to achieve a luxurious consistency.
When added to cleansing products, Hydroxystearic Acid works as a surfactant to leave the surface clean and dirt-free.
This acid is safe for the skin as well as the environment and appears in the form of solid flakes.
Hydroxystearic acid is also known as octadecanoic acid or 12-HSA. The chemical formula of Hydroxystearic Acid is C18H36O3.

Origin and Production
Commercial hydroxystearic acid is generally manufactured from castor oil, a renewable vegetable oil rich in ricinoleic acid.
The production process involves:
1-Hydrolysis of castor oil to obtain ricinoleic acid.
2-Hydrogenation of the double bond present in ricinoleic acid.
3-Purification and crystallization to obtain high-purity 12-hydroxystearic acid.
Because castor oil naturally contains a hydroxylated fatty acid structure, Hydroxystearic Acid serves as an ideal renewable source for manufacturing hydroxystearic acid.

Primary Uses & Benefits
Cosmetics & Skincare: Appears in moisturizers, gels, and shampoos to provide a luxurious consistency, soften skin, and act as an emollient. Hydroxystearic acid is verified as a safe ingredient by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review.
Industrial Lubricants: Combined with lithium to create lithium complex greases, providing excellent water resistance and temperature stability.
Manufacturing: Used as an ingredient in hot-melt adhesives, inks, paints, rubber lubricants, and polishes.

Uses
lubrication: 12-Hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA) gives better Lithium, Barium and Calcium multi-purpose greases.
Hydroxystearic acid provides excellent resistance to water, oils, solvents and crude petroleum, wide temperature range stability and high drop point.
cosmetics: 12-HSA is used for gelling liquid Paraffin in creams and ointments, which easily liquefy on the skin.
Esters of 12-HSA are used in various cosmetic products (lipsticks, deodorant and antiperspirant sticks, shaving creams, etc.).
coatings: 12-HSA is reacted with acrylic esters to produce hard, durable thermosetting polymers used in the high quality automotive, industrial appliance and metal decorative finishes.
rubber: functions as an activator and internal lubricant for natural and synthetic rubbers
others: 12-HSA is an useful component in polishes, inks and hot melt adhesives
12-Hydroxystearic acid is used in cosmetics, wax blends, heavy duty greases, polishes, inks and hot melt adhesives, as a lubricant for natural and synthetic rubbers and as a source for industrial oleo chemicals.
Hydroxystearic acid is also used as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals.

Manufacturing Uses of Hydroxystearic Acid
The benefits of hydroxystearic acid extend beyond the cosmetics industry — the surfactant, lubricating and thickening properties of 12-HSA are also beneficial in a wide range of manufacturing applications.

Below are a few of the common manufacturing applications of hydroxystearic acid:
Rubber products: Hydroxystearic acid works as an activator, accelerator and internal lubricant for both synthetic and natural rubber.
This property makes 12-HSA an ideal choice for the rubber production industry.
Lubricants: 12-HSA can be used in calcium and barium, free multifunctional lithium, glycerol and higher-quality lubricants designed for use in cars, airplanes and other types of machinery.
The surfactant capability of hydroxystearic acid helps prevent particles from sticking to engine parts, allowing the various components to move easily and keeping the motor in good condition.
Silicon and lithium grease: Hydroxystearic acid is often used as a thickening agent in silicon and lithium-based grease.
Paint production: When introduced to paint, hydroxystearic acid reacts with acrylic esters, producing stable thermosetting polymers.
These polymers are often used to create high-quality industrial and automotive equipment, along with producing decorative metal coatings.
Manufacturing of plastic products: Hydroxystearic acid is often used as an additive in the manufacturing of PVC products, including plastic siding, sheets, films, wall panels and window profiles.
Other products: 12-HSA is also used in inks, hot melt adhesives and polishing products.
Hydroxystearic acid can be found in drilling fluid additives, food packaging and as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals.
Resistant to oil, solvents and water, hydroxystearic acid can maintain its integrity in a variety of environments.
12-HSA can also withstand a wide range of temperatures, making Hydroxystearic acid an appealing choice for many manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing
Hydroxystearic acid is commonly produced by hydrogenating ricinoleic acid, the primary fatty acid found in castor oil.
This process saturates the double bond while preserving the hydroxyl functional group, resulting in a stable hydroxylated fatty acid with unique performance characteristics.

Storage and Handling
Hydroxystearic acid should be stored in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and moisture.
Containers should remain tightly closed to prevent contamination and maintain product quality.

Key Properties
Excellent thickening and gelling capabilities
High melting point and thermal stability
Good lubricity and anti-wear characteristics
Provides viscosity control in formulations
Biodegradable and derived from renewable raw materials
Enhances texture and consistency in personal care products.

Environmental and Sustainability Benefits
Hydroxystearic acid is increasingly favored due to its renewable origin and environmental profile:
1-Derived from vegetable-based feedstocks
2-Biodegradable
3-Lower environmental impact than many petroleum-based alternatives
4-Supports sustainable formulation development
5-Compatible with bio-based lubricant technologies

Melting point: 74-76 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 180 °C
Density: 1.0238 (rough estimate)
vapor pressure: 0Pa at 20℃
refractive index: 1.4200 (estimate)
storage temp.: −20°C
solubility: Chloroform (Slightly, Heated), Ethyl Acetate (Slightly, Heated), Methanol
form: Crystalline
pka: 4.78±0.10(Predicted)
color:White
Water Solubility: Soluble in ether, alcohol and chloroform. Insoluble in water.
BRN: 1726730
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions :CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID (106-14-9)
InChI: 1S/C18H36O3/c1-2-3-4-11-14-17(19)15-12-9-7-5-6-8-10-13-16-18(20)21/h17,19H,2-16H2,1H3,(H,20,21)
InChIKey: ULQISTXYYBZJSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N