An overview of epoxidized vegetable oil as feedstock for Dihyrdroxystearic acid (<scp>DHSA</scp>) production

Abstract Epoxidized vegetable oils have emerged as a promising renewable feedstock to produce dihydroxystearic acid (DHSA), a high‐value hydroxyl fatty acid used in industrial applications such as cosmetics, lubricants, and biodegradable polymers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epoxidation process, oxirane ring formation, and subsequent hydrolysis to DHSA, emphasizing the role of peracid oxidation as a key reaction pathway. Various factors affecting epoxidation efficiency and DHSA yield, including reaction conditions, catalyst selection, and are critically analyzed. The hydrolysis mechanism of oxirane rings leading to DHSA formation is discussed alongside. This process aligns with the rising demand for sustainable alternatives to petrochemical resources, offering advantages such as biodegradability and versatility in industrial applications like lubricants and polymers.