12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA) — A Specialty Thickener & Industrial Additive
Meta Title: 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA) Supplier India | Castor Oil Derivative for Greases & Cosmetics
Meta Description: High-quality 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA), derived from castor oil. Used as a thickener in lithium greases, hot-melt adhesives, coatings, and cosmetics. Export-ready with technical support.
Slug: 12-hydroxy-stearic-acid-12-hsa
12-HSA: A High-Value Castor Oil Derivative for Multi-Industry Applications
Introduction
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA) is a hydroxylated C18 fatty acid, produced by hydrogenating ricinoleic acid derived from castor oil. Its unique structure — an 18-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group at the 12th position — makes it one of the most valuable oleochemicals in the castor oil derivative family.
Renowned for its ability to act as a thickener, gellant, and stabilizer, 12-HSA is widely used across lubricants, adhesives, coatings, personal care, and rubber industries.
Key Properties of 12-HSA
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Chemical Name: 12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid
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Molecular Formula: C18H36O3
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Appearance: White, powdery solid
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Melting Point: ~78–82°C
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Functional Group: Hydroxyl (-OH) at the 12th carbon, enabling hydrogen bonding
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Key Advantage: Exceptional ability to form metallic soaps (e.g., lithium 12-HSA), crucial for high-performance greases.
Industrial Applications
| Industry | Application | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Lubricants & Greases | Base thickener for lithium and complex greases | High-temperature stability, mechanical strength |
| Adhesives & Sealants | Hot-melt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives | Improved bonding, rheology control |
| Coatings & Polishes | Protective coatings, floor polishes, paints | Gloss retention, consistency |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Creams, lotions, lipsticks | Texture modification, emollient properties |
| Rubber & Plastics | Rubber additives, polymer stabilizers | Flexibility, improved processing |
Global Market Trends (2025–2034)
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Market Size: The 12-HSA market is valued in the hundreds of millions USD globally, with a CAGR of ~5%.
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Growth Drivers:
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Expansion of lithium-based greases in automotive and industrial machinery.
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Rising demand for bio-based thickeners in adhesives and coatings.
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Increasing use in cosmetics due to natural origin and safe skin profile.
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Regional Demand:
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Asia-Pacific: Rapid industrialization and automotive grease demand.
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Europe & USA: Adhesives, sealants, and cosmetics industries expanding.
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Middle East & Africa: Growing lubricant and construction adhesive usage.
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Why 12-HSA is a Strategic Material
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Versatility: Fits into multiple industries — from greases to cosmetics.
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High Performance: Metallic soaps derived from 12-HSA are superior to those made from stearic acid.
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Sustainability: Derived from renewable castor oil.
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Global Demand: Consistent consumption across automotive, construction, and personal care markets.
Why Choose Nova Industrial Supply?
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Reliable Supply: Consistent quality and batch-to-batch uniformity.
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Technical Support: Guidance for grease formulators, adhesive manufacturers, and cosmetic chemists.
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Export Advantage: Ready with packaging (25kg bags, drums, bulk) and documentation support (COA, MSDS, regulatory compliance).
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Sustainability Commitment: Supplying renewable, plant-based oleochemicals worldwide.
SEO Keywords
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid supplier India, 12-HSA for lithium greases, 12-HSA castor oil derivative, 12-HSA exporter, 12-HSA for adhesives and cosmetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is 12-HSA used for?
12-HSA is mainly used in manufacturing lithium and complex greases, hot-melt adhesives, coatings, and cosmetics.
Q2. How is 12-HSA different from regular stearic acid?
Unlike stearic acid, 12-HSA has a hydroxyl (-OH) group, which provides superior thickening and gelling ability.
Q3. Why is 12-HSA critical in grease formulations?
When combined with lithium, 12-HSA forms lithium 12-hydroxystearate, one of the most widely used grease thickeners, providing high-temperature and mechanical stability.
Q4. Is 12-HSA eco-friendly?
Yes. It is derived from castor oil, a renewable and plant-based resource.
Q5. Which industries are driving the demand for 12-HSA?
Automotive, industrial lubricants, adhesives, sealants, coatings, cosmetics, and personal care are the key drivers.
Conclusion & Call to Action
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA) is a high-value castor oil derivative that plays a critical role in industrial greases, adhesives, coatings, and cosmetics. With rising demand for renewable and bio-based materials, 12-HSA is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing specialty oleochemicals globally.
Contact Nova Industrial Supply today for premium 12-HSA supply, samples, and technical assistance.
📩 talkswithnova@gmail.com | 📞 +91 97121 11117
