POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases. It also supports texture, spread, and mild cleansing performance in creams, lotions, cleansers, and sunscreens.
What does POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases. It also supports texture, spread, and mild cleansing performance in creams, lotions, cleansers, and sunscreens.
Is POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and not a common restricted-list concern. Sensitivity is uncommon, though irritation potential can vary with formula concentration and the fatty-acid source used.
Is POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS sustainable?
This material is commonly made from glycerin and fatty acids, often from plant-based oils, with palm sourcing possible depending on the supply chain. It is generally considered readily biodegradable and does not carry the persistence concerns associated with silicone or fluorinated materials.
Is POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic frameworks when made from approved natural-origin feedstocks using allowed esterification chemistry. Its profile fits Green Chemistry reasonably well because it can use renewable inputs, has good biodegradability, and does not require ethoxylation.
How does POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS work chemically?
The molecule is a nonionic ester built from three linked glycerol units and one or more fatty-acid chains, giving it both water-compatible and oil-compatible character. Typical use is often about 0.5 to 5%, with good stability across normal cosmetic pH ranges, although very acidic or alkaline systems can slowly hydrolyze ester bonds.
Last updated 2026-05-15