murphyPolyglyceryl-3 Isostearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyglyceryl-3 Ester, Emulsifier
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from glycerin and isostearic acid, typically sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm. Synthesized through esterification and polymerization reactions combining glycerin with isostearate under controlled conditions.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, isooctadecanoates (1:1) (3 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
CAS #
127512-63-4
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
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-reviewednone on file
⚖️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
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 717)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions moderate (CIR 717)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (CIR 717)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · report published 2023
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR