Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate

What is Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate?

Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate is a non-ionic ingredient formed by esterifying polyglycerol-3, a chain of three glycerol molecules, with stearic acid, a saturated C18 fatty acid typically sourced from vegetable oils. It serves as a versatile component in cosmetic formulations, especially oil-in-water emulsions such as lotions, creams, and rinse-off cleansers. Functionally, its amphiphilic structure features hydrophilic polyglycerol heads that interact with water and lipophilic stearate tails that anchor into oil phases, creating a stable interfacial film that prevents phase separation and ensures product consistency. This emulsifying action is complemented by mild surfactant properties for foaming and dispersing, alongside emollient effects that deposit a lightweight barrier to enhance skin feel and reduce dryness. Widely incorporated for its stability across pH ranges and compatibility with other actives.

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:

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.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Provides softening emolliency to improve skin texture and smoothness.

Stabilizes emulsions for even application and lasting product performance.

Supports gentle surfactant action in cleansers for effective yet mild removal of impurities.

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 skin seeking added smoothness from emollients.
Those with rare allergies to fatty acid esters like stearates.
Users of lotions and creams wanting stable, non-separating textures.
Individuals sensitive to synthetic emulsifiers in rinse-off products.
People preferring mild surfactants in daily cleansers.
People avoiding ingredients derived from stearic acid sources.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with minimal irritation potential in cosmetic use.
  • Safe for use in concentrations typical for emulsifiers and emollients.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate

What is Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate used for?

It acts as an emulsifier to blend oils and water, emollient for softness, and surfactant for cleansing in creams and lotions.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation potential, suitable for most skin types in cosmetic products.

Does it cause acne?

Non-comedogenic rating indicates low risk of pore clogging.