Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate

Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PG-5 Trioleate
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate is the triester of oleic acid and Polyglycerin-5
CAS #
-
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic polyglycerin ester developed in the late 20th century from oleic acid (naturally found in olive oil and other plant oils). Created to provide emulsification with improved mildness and skin compatibility compared to earlier-generation surfactants.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR