Propylene glycol hydroxystearate (inci)

Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol)" means a dihydric alcohol which, due to its chemical and physical properties, is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and technology both as a monosubstance and as a component of an ester, "hydroxystearate" means the ester of "hydroxystearic acid (12-hydroxy-1-octadecanoic acid)" of a saturated monocarboxylic acid.

Propylene glycol hydroxystearate is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as an emollient (makes the skin smooth and supple), as an emulsifier (a surface-active substance which is used in cosmetic products as an additive to combine 2 immiscible liquids - e.g. oil and water - into one emulsion) and as an opacifier.