What is 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA)?
12-HSA (12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid) is a white-colored solid in the form of wax that originates from hydrogenating ricinoleic acid. Being an essential component of castor oil, ricinoleic acid in 12-HSA provides thickening, emulsification, and stability properties, which ultimately prove valuable in commercial and industrial applications. 12-HSA is a biodegradable material, making it highly suitable and non-toxic for the personal care and cosmetic industry.
How is 12-HSA Produced?
The production of 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid involves the hydrogenation of crude castor oil to safeguard the hydroxyl group. Once the hydrogenation process is completed, the final mixture is cooled down slowly to achieve a crystalline form.
Further, the crystalline form is further separated, filtered down, and dried to achieve a solid form of 12-HSA, which is applicable in various industrial applications.
Role of 12-HSA in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
12-HSA is one of the common elements used in the formulation of skincare products. Because of its thickening, texture, and stabilization properties, it is available in almost every cream and lotion. Moreover, 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid brings the feel, texture, and appeal to the product.
12-HSA also acts as an emulsifier to combine the oil and water in the smoothest manner. It helps in maintaining product consistency and better shelf life. The safe experience makes it a preferred ingredient for high-quality beauty formulations while avoiding synthetic chemicals.
Production Process of Hydroxy Stearic Acid
The production of 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid requires a step-by-step process to achieve the highest level of purity. First of all, the raw castor oil is degummed and refined under the influence of specific temperature and pressure conditions. Further, the ricinoleic acid is hydrogenated to convert the oil to a fatty acid.
Further, the fatty acid passes through a cooling environment to achieve a crystallized form, resulting in the best product for lubricant, cosmetic, and plastic applications.
Applications of Hydroxy Stearic Acid
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid serves as a key component in multiple levels of applications across verticals. A gelling agent in the lubricants industry and skincare manufacturing. In mechanical engineering products, the 12-HSA is very beneficial in improving thermal stability and system lubrication.
Similarly, in PVC and plastic manufacturing, the Hydroxy Stearic Acid serves as a powerful stabilizing agent and mold release agent. For coatings and ink manufacturing, the Hydroxy Stearic Acid is helpful in achieving high viscosity and a glossy finish.
12-HSA enhances the flexibility and strength in the rubber industry production. Further, because of the non-irritating properties, it is applicable in several medical or healthcare items.
Why Choose 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid for Your Industry Needs?
Out of the several reasons for 12-HSA being a popular acid choice across verticals, being renewable and natural-friendly are among the top ones. With its ability to perform well in multiple areas, 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid is a highly efficient choice.
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid comes with skin-friendly and safer properties to be used in cosmetic industries and food processing. Another major reason behind manufacturers preferring this acid is its personalization capabilities in terms of acid value, color, and melting point.
Benefits of Using Hydroxy Stearic Acid
When we consider the advantages of 12-hydroxy stearic acid, one of the core advantages is its versatility in industrial applications.
Apart from the usage, this acid is well known for providing similar effectiveness across verticals. From increasing the stability levels of the product to better shelf life, this hydroxy stearic acid performs well in high-temperature environments.
The applications of hydroxy stearic acid in plastics and rubber result in better flexibility and strength. On similar lines, this acid remains compatible with skin and is ideal for sensitive skin applications as well.
Conclusion
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid is one of the plant-based ingredients with potent capabilities and usage in various industries. From manufacturing skincare products to greases, 12-HSA serves a major role in improving functionality, safety, and sustainability. Thus, with so much to offer, the 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid becomes one of the prime choices for all verticals.
FAQ
12-HSA is a highly suitable component for certain industries such as cosmetics, lubricants, pharma, coatings, and more. With high performance as a thickener and stabilizer, 12-HSA fits in most of the industrial formulations.
Yes, of course, 12 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid is one of the commonly used components in the skincare vertical. It assists in thick cream bases and lotions to enhance stability and luxurious texture. Moreover, the non-irritating nature of 12-HSA makes it highly safe and reliable for skincare.
Yes, 12-HSA is completely non-toxic and suitable for sensitive skin, without any worry about irritation. With enhanced feel and comfort of creams, HSA acid is one of the core elements of personal care products and industrial production.
Stearic acid, along with derivatives (such as 12-HSA), is a definitive part of skincare products on a mass scale. With compliance and approvals from the cosmetic safety standards, 12-HSA acid can be seen in the manufacturing labels of lotions, soaps, and other skincare products.
12-HSA provides amazing thickening and a cream base similar to greasing. The high heat resistance makes it highly suitable for industrial lubricants to boost stability and durability.
Yes, 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid serves as a definitive source of cosmetic and skincare products such as lipsticks, lotions, and creams. 12-HSA refines product texture and feel with stability to the original formulation.
The usual shelf life of 12-HSA in a cool and dry place is measured to be up to 2 years. However, it is recommended to store in secure packaging to maintain quality, strength, and effectiveness.
