Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 28, 2015
Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid), and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Preethi S Raj1, Wilma F Bergfeld2, Donald V Belsito2
1Cosmetic Ingredient Review Former Senior Scientific Analyst/Writer.
Abstract:
The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid), and Polylactic Acid as used in cosmetic formulations. These ingredients are reported to function in cosmetics as a non-surfactant dispersing agent, a skin-conditioning agent, and an abrasive agent, respectively. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients and concluded that these ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentrations described in this safety assessment.
Related Concept Videos
Bioplastics
Production of Organic Acids
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
