Polyhydroxystearic Acid
What Polyhydroxystearic Acid is & what it does
A dispersing agent that coats pigments and mineral filters so they spread evenly and resist clumping. It improves smoothness and reduces white cast.
What does Polyhydroxystearic Acid do in sunscreen?
Polyhydroxystearic acid is a dispersing agent: it coats mineral UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide so they spread evenly and do not clump. That even spread improves both the feel and the reliability of protection.
Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid safe?
Yes. It is a gentle, well-tolerated ingredient used in small amounts and considered safe in cosmetics.
Does Polyhydroxystearic Acid clog pores?
It is generally well tolerated and used at low levels to disperse minerals, and is not considered a notable pore-clogger.
Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid natural?
It is nature-derived: it is made from stearic acid, a fatty acid that commonly comes from plant oils. It is processed into a dispersing agent that helps mineral filters spread evenly, rather than occurring ready-made in nature.
Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid safe to use during pregnancy?
Polyhydroxystearic acid has no known pregnancy concern. It is a gentle dispersing agent used in small amounts to help mineral filters spread evenly.
Sunscreens with Polyhydroxystearic Acid
We rate 1340 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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GAMAL The Green Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
96/100
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ACM
Laboratoire ACM Dépiwhite.M Tinted Protective Cream Spf 50+
95/100
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Bielenda Acne Remedium SPF 50
94/100
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Avene Ultra Fluid Sensitive Skin SPF 50 Perfector
94/100
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Chelvy Cosmetics Sunny Squad Sunscreen SPF 50+ Pa++++
94/100
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Fully Exosome Firming Tone-up Sun Cream
94/100
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Dot & Key
Dot and key Strawberry Dew Tinted Sunscreen, In-vivo Tested SPF 50+ Pa++++, New Gen Filters
94/100
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Bielenda Future Beauty Hybrid Eye Cream SPF 50
94/100
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Hildegard Braukmann Crema Aktinia SPF 50
94/100
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Your Kaya Nawilżający Krem SPF 50
94/100