Polyglycerin-3 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a humectant and water-phase conditioning agent, helping formulas hold moisture and feel less tacky than straight glycerin. It can also support solvent and texture balance in serums, gels, cleansers, and emulsions.
What does Polyglycerin-3 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a humectant and water-phase conditioning agent, helping formulas hold moisture and feel less tacky than straight glycerin. It can also support solvent and texture balance in serums, gels, cleansers, and emulsions.
Is Polyglycerin-3 clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, low in sensitization concern, and not a common restricted-list ingredient. The main quality question is supplier control over residual glycerin, salts, and processing byproducts.
Is Polyglycerin-3 sustainable?
This material is commonly made from glycerin, often sourced from vegetable oil supply chains, so palm, coconut, or soy documentation may matter. It is water soluble and expected to biodegrade more readily than persistent synthetic film-formers.
Is Polyglycerin-3 COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when made from approved feedstocks and compliant processing. Its Green Chemistry profile is favorable when renewable glycerin is used, with good water solubility, low irritation potential, and no major persistence concern.
How does Polyglycerin-3 work chemically?
The molecule is a small hydrophilic oligomer, roughly three glycerin units connected by ether linkages, with multiple hydroxyl groups that bind water. It is typically used in the low single digits, is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, and co-formulates well with water-based systems, surfactants, and emulsions.
Last updated 2026-05-13