Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides

What is Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides?

Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides is a blend of polyglycerol esters created by combining polyglycerol—a polymer of glycerol—with hydroxy stearic, linolenic, and oleic fatty acids sourced from vegetable oils like castor, linseed, and olive. This ingredient falls into the emollient and surfactant category for cosmetics, appearing in products such as lip balms, creams, and pressed powders. It functions by forming a flexible film on the skin that mimics natural sebum, enhancing slip and cohesion without greasiness. In formulations, it binds powders into durable solids, reinforces emulsion interfaces to prevent separation, and thickens oil phases for better spreadability. Derived from renewable plant materials, it supports clean-label anhydrous and emulsified systems, providing sensory smoothness and structural integrity.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Binding

Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.

Emollient

Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.

Emulsion stabilizer

Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.

Skin conditioning agent

Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Delivers a soft, smooth feel by filling skin irregularities.

Supports formula stability in creams and solids.

Promotes skin flexibility and cohesion.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals with dry or rough skin seeking emollience.	People with rare allergies to fatty acid esters.
Users of makeup preferring stable, non-separating products.	Individuals sensitive to plant-derived glycerides.
Those desiring non-comedogenic conditioning agents.	Those preferring fully mineral oil-free formulas.

Safety Notes

Rated low hazard by EWG with score of 1.
Non-comedogenic, suitable for acne-prone skin routines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides

What is Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides?

A polyglycerol ester from vegetable fatty acids, used as an emollient and stabilizer in cosmetics.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it has a low EWG score of 1 and shows minimal irritation potential.

Does it cause acne?

No, with a comedogenic rating of 0, it's unlikely to clog pores.