Polyglyceryl-4 Distearate

AKA: Stearic Acid Polyglyceryl Ester, Emulsifier

Plant-Derived

Emollient

Skin Conditioner

Not Clean

OriginDerived from plant-based stearic acid and polyglycerin, typically sourced from vegetable oils or animal fats. Synthesized through esterification, chemically bonding stearic acid molecules to polyglycerin-4 backbone.

Polyglyceryl-4 Distearate is a diester of Polyglycerin-4 with Stearic Acid.

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Functions

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Skin Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Anti-Aging Benefits

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

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

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR