This paper decribes the safety evaluation of threo-9,10-dihydroxystearic acid (DHSA) as a cosmetics ingredient. The irritation potential of DHAS to the eye and skin was assessed using in vitro ocular and dermal irritection assays and confirmed by in vivio patch test. Its potential in inducing sensitization is confirmed by the in vivo human repeated insult patch test (HRIPT). In vitro studies showed no ocular or dermal irritation potential in using purified DHSA while in vivo studies showed that the purified DHSA did not induce any significant cutaneous skin irritation, cummulative skin irritation or sensitization at 1%, 3% and 5%, respectively.

Keywords: cumulative irritation, dihydroxystearic acid, safety evaluation, skin irritation, skin sensitization