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Hydroxystearic is a hydroxylated derivative of stearic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid.
Hydroxystearic contains one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to the carbon chain, which gives Hydroxystearic unique physical and chemical properties compared to conventional stearic acid.
The most commercially important form is Hydroxystearic, typically produced through the hydrogenation of ricinoleic acid obtained from castor oil.
CAS No.106-14-9
Chemical Name:12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID
CBNumber:CB9162185
Molecular Formula:C18H36O3
Molecular Weight:300.48
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 (primarily referring to 12-hydroxystearic acid) is a fatty acid surfactant, emollient, and thickener with the molecular formula C₁₈H₃₆O₃.
Hydroxystearic is widely used in cosmetics, high-performance industrial lubricants, and wax blends due to its unique gelling and stabilizing properties.
Hydroxystearic is widely used in numerous industrial applications due to its excellent thickening, gelling, lubricating, and rheological properties.
Hydroxystearic is a specialty fatty acid derived primarily from natural vegetable sources, especially castor oil.
The most widely used grade is Hydroxystearic, which is produced by hydrogenating ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil.
The presence of both a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) in the molecule gives Hydroxystearic unique characteristics that distinguish Hydroxystearic from conventional fatty acids.
These functional groups enable strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding, resulting in superior thickening, gelling, and structuring capabilities.
Also called hydroxystearic and 12-HSA, hydroxystearic acid is a fatty acid surfactant, emollient and thickener.
Hydroxystearicis used widely in a variety of personal care and cosmetics products, including skin care preparations, hair products and deodorizing products.
Hydroxystearic having IUPAC name octadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid.
Its chemical formula is C17H35COOH.
Hydroxystearic is a saturated hydroxy fatty acid.
Its a waxy, odourless, tasteless and cream coloured compound in flakes / powder.
appearance creamish flakes or powder
Hydroxystearic is a hydroxy fatty acid that is stearic acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 12.
Hydroxystearic has a role as a plant metabolite and a bacterial xenobiotic metabolite.
Hydroxystearic is a hydroxyoctadecanoic acid and a secondary alcohol.
Hydroxystearic is a conjugate acid of a 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate.
The primary and most commercially significant natural source of hydroxystearic is castor oil, extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.
Castor oil is unique among vegetable oils due to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, typically ranging from 85% to 95%.
Hydroxystearic Acid, particularly Hydroxystearic, is a versatile oleochemical derived from castor oil.
Its unique combination of thickening, lubricating, and rheological properties makes Hydroxystearic an essential ingredient in lubricating greases, coatings, cosmetics, plastics, and specialty chemical formulations.
The growing demand for sustainable and bio-based materials continues to support its widespread use across numerous industries.
Chemical Properties
White flake or needle crystal.
Melting point 82-93℃, insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether and chloroform.
Hydroxystearic is flammable and has the properties of acids and alcohols, and Hydroxystearic is easy to lose hydroxyl groups at high temperatures.
Source: Primarily derived from castor oil
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in various organic solvents and oils
Key Characteristics
Excellent thickening and structuring agent
High melting point and thermal stability
Good lubricating properties
Effective rheology modifier
Capable of forming gels in oils and non-polar solvents
Biodegradable and renewable due to its vegetable oil origin
Uses
Lithium greases, chemical intermediates.
lubrication: 12-Hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA) gives better Lithium, Barium and Calcium multi-purpose greases.
Hydroxystearic 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
Hydroxystearic 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 is also used as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals.
Hydroxystearic can be used to formulate anti-rust grease, also used as organic intermediate.
Functional Benefits
Excellent Gelling Agent
One of the most remarkable properties of Hydroxystearic Acid is its ability to form stable gels in non-polar liquids and oils.
Small concentrations can significantly increase viscosity and create highly structured systems.
Rheology Control
Hydroxystearic Acid provides:
Shear-thinning behavior
Suspension stability
Anti-settling performance
Sag resistance
These properties are particularly valuable in paints, coatings, and inks.
Thermal Stability
Products containing Hydroxystearic Acid often demonstrate:
Improved heat resistance
Enhanced structural integrity
Better performance under temperature fluctuations
Lubrication Enhancement
The long hydrocarbon chain contributes lubricity and reduces friction in grease formulations and industrial lubricants.
Definition
ChEBI: A hydroxy fatty acid that is stearic acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 12.
Hydroxystearic has a role as a plant metabolite and a bacterial xenobiotic metabolite.
Hydroxystearic is a hydroxyoctadecanoic acid and a secondary alcohol.
Hydroxystearic is a conjugate acid of a 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate.
Key Applications
Cosmetics & Skincare: Used as an emollient, thickener, and surfactant in creams, lotions, and makeup.
Hydroxystearic helps structure products and improves their texture on the skin.
Industrial Greases: Its lithium salt (lithium 12-hydroxystearate) acts as a primary "lithium soap" thickener in high-temperature, water-resistant lubricating greases.
Gelation: Frequently utilized to create plant oil-based organogels, wax mixtures, polishes, and adhesives.
Safety Profile
Hydroxystearic is generally recognized as safe and low in toxicity for its typical applications.
Acute exposure may cause mild eye or skin irritation, and inhaling dust can cause respiratory discomfort, requiring proper protective gear during industrial handling.
Hydroxystearic is not classified as a carcinogen by major regulatory agencies such as the EPA or IARC.
Description
Hydroxystearic is a saturated hydroxy fatty acid.
Its a waxy, odourless, tasteless and cream coloured compound in flakes / powder.
appearance: creamish flakes or powder
melting point: °C min. 70
colour Gardner: max. 6
colour (on 1” Lovibond) max 20 yellow / max. 4,5 red
acid value mg: KOH/g min. 175
iodine value (Wijs) g I2/100g max. 5
hydroxyl value: min. 150
saponification value mg: KOH/g 175 - 190
InChI: 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
