Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate

Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyglycerol ricinoleate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, 12-(R)-hydroxy-9-(Z)-octadecenoates (1:1) (3 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
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
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester derived from ricinoleic acid (castor oil component) combined with polyglycerin. Developed as a modern emulsifier while maintaining some connection to the traditional use of castor oil.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR