POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily an oil-in-water emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer, helping oils, waxes, and water form a stable cream or lotion texture. It also supports skin feel and viscosity when paired with fatty alcohols or waxes.
What does POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily an oil-in-water emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer, helping oils, waxes, and water form a stable cream or lotion texture. It also supports skin feel and viscosity when paired with fatty alcohols or waxes.
Is POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE clean?
This ingredient has a strong clean-beauty profile because it is generally well-tolerated, not a common allergen, and not a frequent restricted-list concern. The main quality questions are typical ester-manufacturing controls, such as residual acidity and consistent purity.
Is POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE sustainable?
This material is commonly made from vegetable-derived fatty acids and glycerin-based building blocks, with sourcing that can depend on palm, rapeseed, or other plant oils. It is expected to be readily biodegradable compared with persistent synthetic film-formers or silicones.
Is POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic frameworks when made from approved feedstocks and compliant processing. Its Green Chemistry fit is favorable because it can use renewable raw materials, ester chemistry, and biodegradable molecular fragments.
How does POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE work chemically?
The molecule is an amphiphilic mixed ester built from a short glycerin-derived oligomer, polar acid groups, and long C18 fatty chains, which gives it both water affinity and oil compatibility. It is commonly used around 1 to 4% in oil-in-water emulsions and is typically paired with fatty alcohols, waxes, gums, or other stabilizers to improve lamellar structure and texture.
Last updated 2026-05-13