Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Also known as: PHA
INCI: Polyhydroxystearic Acid | Function: Exfoliant | Type: Exfoliant
What Is Polyhydroxystearic Acid?
PHA that exfoliates surface while providing humectant benefits.
Key Skin Benefits
- + Gentle exfoliation
- + Hydrating
Pros
- + Very gentle
- + No photosensitivity
Cons
- − Mild exfoliation
- − Slow results
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Usage Areas | Face, Eye, Body |
| Product Type | Leave-On, Rinse-Off |
| Source | Synthetic |
| Natural Level | Synthetic |
Safety Ratings
| Metric | Rating |
|---|
| Skin Sensitivity | 1/5 |
| Comedogenic Rating | 0/5 |
| EWG Score | 1/10 |
Regional Regulatory Limits
| Region | Leave-on % | Rinse-off % | Status |
|---|
| EU (CosIng) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| US (CIR/FDA) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| Japan (MHLW) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| ASEAN | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| China (NMPA) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
Typical Usage % by Product Type
| Product Type | Typical % |
|---|
| Serum | 0.1 - 2% |
| Moisturizer | 0.1 - 2% |
References
- Online research — publicly available sources