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Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate
AKA “Diglycerin distearate, DIGLYCERYL DISTEARATE, STEARIC ACID, DIESTER WITH DIGLYCEROL, Polyglyceryl stearate, RefChem:175151, UNII-1XAX7BOH4W, UNII-1Z95EWX28V”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyglyceryl-2 distearate
AKA: Diglycerin distearate, DIGLYCERYL DISTEARATE, STEARIC ACID, DIESTER WITH DIGLYCEROL, Polyglyceryl stearate, RefChem:175151, UNII-1XAX7BOH4W, UNII-1Z95EWX28V
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A natural plant-derived ingredient that helps blend oil and water in formulas, creating smooth, stable textures that feel silky on skin.
Formula
C42H82O7
Mol. Weight
699.10
CAS #
9009-32-9
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
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.
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
UV Protection
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic polyglyceryl ester emulsifier. Created to provide consistent emulsification in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isostearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Re-evaluation: Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
10-Hydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
PEG-4 Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Stearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Isostearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Stearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Simultaneous contact sensitivity to hydroxystearic acid and C18-36 acid triglyceride in lip glosses.
Kimura M, Kawada A, Ogino M, Murayama Y
Contact dermatitis, 2002
→
Microemulsions based on TPGS and isostearic acid for imiquimod formulation and skin delivery.
Pescina S, Garrastazu G, Del Favero E, Rondelli V, Cantù L et al.
European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR