Polyglyceryl-3 Pentacaprylate/Caprate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyglyceryl-3 Ester, Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Solvent
Not Clean
Polyglyceryl-3 Pentacaprylate/Caprate is the pentaester of a mixture of Caprylic Acid and Capric Acid with Polyglycerin-3.
CAS #
-
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
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.
Removes Impurities
Dissolves Ingredients
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Brightens Skin
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic emulsifier combining polyglycerin with caprylic and capric acids. Created to improve the stability and sensory profile of cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR