Polyglyceryl-3 Di-Hydroxystearate

AKA: Polyglyceryl-3 Ester, Emulsifier
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from hydroxystearic acid and polyglycerol, typically sourced from vegetable oils like palm or coconut. Produced through esterification, chemically bonding hydroxystearic acid with polyglycerin-3 molecules.
Polyglyceryl-3 Di-Hydroxystearate is the diester of Hydroxystearic Acid and Polyglycerin-3
CAS #
-
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2023
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR