Polyhydroxystearic Acid
A soft pliable plant-derived wax acts as a natural emulsifier, functions as a film former, emollient, and plasticizer. Our R + D team like Polyhydroxystearic Acid because it helps keep ingredients blended and creates creamier textures while increasing formula stability. We use it in combination with other plant-based waxes and esters to replace beeswax in our formulas.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid: A Key Ingredient Behind Our Vegan Lip Balm
(Found in our lip butter, lip balm, lip scrub)
Creating a truly high-performance vegan lip balm takes more than simply removing beeswax — it requires carefully selected plant-based ingredients that deliver the same comfort, glide, and moisture protection. One of the most important ingredients that makes this possible in our formulas is Polyhydroxystearic Acid.
This soft, pliable, plant-derived wax plays a vital role in our vegan lip care collection. Naturally sourced from castor bean seed oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid functions as a film former, emollient, and natural stabilizer, allowing us to create lip products that feel rich and creamy — without using any animal-derived ingredients.
Why Polyhydroxystearic Acid Is Essential in Vegan Lip Balm
Traditional lip balms rely on beeswax to provide structure, smooth application, and moisture retention. In a vegan lip balm, those same benefits must come from a thoughtful blend of plant-based waxes and esters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a cornerstone of that system. In our formulations, it helps to:
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Replace beeswax while maintaining a soft, cushiony texture
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Stabilize formulas by keeping oils and waxes beautifully blended
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Improve glide so balm applies smoothly without drag
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Create a breathable moisture barrier that helps prevent dryness
The result is a vegan lip balm that performs just as beautifully as traditional formulas — creamy, conditioning, and long-lasting — while remaining completely cruelty-free.
Clean, Plant-Based, and High-Performance
We choose Polyhydroxystearic Acid not only for what it does, but for what it represents: smarter, more responsible formulation.
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Plant-derived from castor bean seed
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Kosher
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Non-GMO
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Not tested on animals
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EWG score: 1 (low hazard rating)
This ingredient helps us create lip care that aligns with our values — clean, conscious, and effective — while delivering the luxurious textures our customers expect from premium vegan lip products.
What Polyhydroxystearic Acid Does in Our Lip Products
You’ll find this ingredient in several of our formulas, where it plays a unique role in each:
In Our Vegan Lip Balm
Provides structure and glide while replacing beeswax with a plant-based alternative that keeps lips soft and protected.
In Our Lip Butter
Creates a silky, whipped texture that melts seamlessly into lips for deep nourishment.
In Our Lip Scrub
Helps suspend exfoliating particles evenly, preventing separation and ensuring consistent performance.
Across all of our lip care, Polyhydroxystearic Acid improves both stability and sensory experience, ensuring every product feels smooth, balanced, and luxurious from the first use to the last.
Benefits at a Glance
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Emollient – softens and conditions lips
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Creamy Texture – enhances glide and comfort
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Safe & Non-Toxic – suitable for sensitive skin
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Smooth Skin Feel – no waxy buildup or heaviness
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Occlusive – helps seal in moisture for lasting hydration
Why Ingredients Matter in Vegan Lip Care
Not all vegan lip balms are created equal. The difference between a balm that feels dry or draggy and one that feels indulgent often comes down to formulation. By using advanced plant-based ingredients like Polyhydroxystearic Acid, we’re able to create vegan lip balm formulas that rival traditional beeswax balms — without compromising on ethics, safety, or performance.
Another reason we love Polyhydroxystearic Acid in our vegan lip balm formulas is its origin. This ingredient is derived from castor bean seed, a renewable plant resource that can be grown and harvested year after year. Unlike petroleum-based waxes or animal-derived ingredients, castor plants support a more sustainable supply chain by relying on agriculture rather than finite fossil fuels. Choosing renewable, plant-based ingredients like this allows us to create high-performance lip care while staying aligned with our commitment to conscious, responsible formulation.
That’s the heart of our approach to clean beauty:
thoughtful ingredients, transparent standards, and products that truly work.
Ingredient FAQ: Polyhydroxystearic Acid
What is Polyhydroxystearic Acid?
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a multifunctional, plant-derived ingredient used in modern cosmetic formulations to improve texture, stability, and performance. It is created from hydroxystearic acid, a modified fatty acid derived from castor oil, and appears as a soft, pliable, wax-like solid.
In our lip care formulas, it plays an essential role in helping us create smooth, creamy, high-performance vegan lip balm without using beeswax or any animal-derived ingredients.
Why does it have the word “acid” in the name?
The word acid can sound intimidating — especially if you’re used to seeing exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid in skincare. But Polyhydroxystearic Acid is not that kind of acid.
In cosmetic science, “acid” often refers to the chemical structure, not the behavior on skin. Polyhydroxystearic Acid is actually a high-molecular-weight, waxy polymer that sits on the surface of the skin rather than penetrating deeply. Because of this, it is considered gentle, non-irritating, and well-suited for sensitive areas like the lips. It helps protect and soften — not exfoliate or sting.
Where does Polyhydroxystearic Acid come from?
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is derived from castor bean seed oil, a renewable plant resource that can be grown and harvested year after year. This makes it a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based waxes or animal-derived ingredients.
Using castor-derived ingredients supports our commitment to clean, conscious formulation and allows us to create effective vegan lip care while reducing reliance on finite fossil resources.
Why is it important in vegan lip balm?
Traditional lip balms rely on beeswax to provide structure, glide, and moisture retention. In a vegan lip balm, those same benefits must come from carefully chosen plant-based ingredients.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid helps us:
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Replace beeswax while maintaining a soft, cushiony texture
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Stabilize formulas so oils and waxes stay beautifully blended
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Improve glide for smooth, effortless application
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Create a light protective barrier that helps seal in moisture
This allows us to deliver a vegan lip balm that feels just as luxurious and effective as traditional formulas — without compromising on ethics.
What are the benefits of Polyhydroxystearic Acid?
This ingredient is valued in clean beauty for its versatility and skin-friendly profile:
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Emollient – softens and conditions lips
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Texture enhancer – creates a creamy, smooth feel
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Stabilizer – helps prevent separation in formulas
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Film former – forms a lightweight protective layer
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Pigment dispersant – keeps color evenly distributed in tinted products
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Gentle & well-tolerated – low potential for irritation or sensitivity
It is widely regarded as safe for cosmetic use and is commonly found in lip products, creams, color cosmetics, and even mineral sunscreens.
How is Polyhydroxystearic Acid used in cosmetic formulas?
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is typically added to the oil phase of a formulation, where it helps create structure and improve consistency. In products that contain pigments or powders, it can be pre-mixed to ensure even dispersion and a smooth final texture.
In our lip butter, lip balm, and lip scrub formulas, it helps keep everything beautifully balanced — so every swipe feels consistent, creamy, and comfortable.
Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid safe for sensitive lips?
Yes. Polyhydroxystearic Acid is considered low-risk and non-irritating when used in cosmetic products at standard concentrations. Because it is a surface-acting, wax-like ingredient rather than a penetrating active, it is especially well-suited for delicate areas like the lips.
It supports our goal of creating clean, gentle, high-performance vegan lip care that feels good and performs beautifully.
