Products with Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Polyhydroxystearic acid is the dispersant that keeps zinc oxide and titanium dioxide from clumping, which is why mineral sunscreens dominate this collection.
You've viewed 17 of 17 results
Polyhydroxystearic Acid and the Mineral Sunscreen Problem
Mineral sunscreens live or die on how well the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are dispersed. Clumped particles mean patchy coverage and a chalky white finish; evenly separated ones mean a smoother film and a more even look on skin. Polyhydroxystearic acid is the dispersant that keeps them apart — an oil-soluble polymer that coats each particle so it cannot re-aggregate in the tube or on the face.
Which is why this collection reads like a sunscreen aisle: Revision Skincare Intellishade Original SPF 45, SkinBetter Science sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 75, SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense SPF 50 and EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+ all rely on it.
Does this ingredient reduce the white cast of mineral sunscreen?
Indirectly, yes. By preventing the mineral filters from clumping it allows a thinner, more uniform film, which is a large part of why modern mineral formulas look far less ghostly than they did a decade ago.
How to shop at ELLEMES
Every sunscreen here comes through our authorized accounts, with expiration dating you can actually rely on.
Browse more
Featured Products with Polyhydroxystearic Acid Reviews
“This new SPF is so so so so soooooo good. I've used the same mineral spf for about 4 years because I was convinced nothing would beat it, and nothing did. It was an SPF 30...”
Others Also Bought
Check out similar products people are loving.
