Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate

Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from glycerin (a polyol) and stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid), both plant-sourced or synthetic. Produced through esterification of polyglycerin with stearic acid under controlled heat and catalytic conditions.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:2) (2 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
Family
Not applicable – Synthetic ingredient
CAS #
9009-32-9, 94423-19-5
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Brightens Skin
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–3%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2023
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR