POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE/DIMER

TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier, oil-dispersing agent, and emollient structurant, especially useful in water-in-oil systems and pigment-heavy formulas. It helps keep oils, waxes, water, and powders evenly distributed while adding cushion to the skin feel.

What does POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE/DIMER do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier, oil-dispersing agent, and emollient structurant, especially useful in water-in-oil systems and pigment-heavy formulas. It helps keep oils, waxes, water, and powders evenly distributed while adding cushion to the skin feel.

Is POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE/DIMER clean?

Clean-beauty frameworks generally view it as a low-irritation, PEG-free fatty ester with little allergen concern. Its standing depends mainly on supplier documentation, since residual catalysts, solvents, and feedstock origin can affect acceptance under stricter standards.

Is POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE/DIMER sustainable?

This material is typically made from glycerin and fatty-acid feedstocks that may be plant-derived, often from vegetable oils, though sourcing can vary by supplier. It is expected to break down through ester hydrolysis and microbial metabolism, but its larger, branched structure makes documentation on biodegradability useful.

Is POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE/DIMER COSMOS-approved?

It can be compatible with COSMOS-natural when made from approved natural-origin glycerin and fatty acids using permitted esterification chemistry. From a Green Chemistry view, it scores better when based on renewable oils and solvent-light processing, with some caveat for catalyst use and feedstock traceability.

How does POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISOSTEARATE/DIMER work chemically?

The molecule is a polyglycerin fatty ester with bulky branched hydrophobic groups, giving it low-HLB behavior suited to stabilizing oil-continuous emulsions and dispersing pigments. Typical use is often around 1 to 5% for emulsification or texture support, and ester bonds are generally stable in normal cosmetic pH ranges but can hydrolyze faster under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.

Last updated 2026-05-16