Polyglyceryl-3 Behenate
AKA “Polyglyceryl-3 Ester, Emulsifier
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyglyceryl-3 behenate
AKA: Polyglyceryl-3 Ester, Emulsifier
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Polyglyceryl-3 Behenate is the ester of behenic acid and Polyglycerin-3. Science: Functions: Emulsion Stabilising Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
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See origin →
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
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.
Stabilizes Emulsion
Brightens Skin
Keeps product blended
Traditional Use
Developed as a modern synthetic emulsifier combining polyglycerin with behenic acid. Used in cosmetics to stabilize and thicken formulations without the need for traditional plant or animal waxes.
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
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Unexpected skin barrier influence from nonionic emulsifiers.
Bárány E, Lindberg M, Lodén M
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2000
Unexpected skin barrier influence from nonionic emulsifiers.
Bárány E, Lindberg M, Lodén M
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2000
Apricot Kernel Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Palm Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyglyceryl-3 Behenate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Rice Bran Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Effects of silicone emulsifiers on in vitro skin permeation of sunscreens from cosmetic emulsions.
Montenegro L, Paolino D, Puglisi G
Journal of cosmetic science, 2004
Structure and rheology of semisolid o/w creams containing cetyl alcohol/non-ionic surfactant mixed emulsifier and different polymers.
Ribeiro HM, Morais JA, Eccleston GM
International journal of cosmetic science, 2004
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Efficient Development of Green Emulsifier/Emollient-Based Emulsion Vehicles: From RSM Optimal Experimental Design to Abridged In Vivo Assessment.
Vukašinović M, Savić S, Cekić N, Ilić T, Pantelić I et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2023
Tailoring the Stability of W/O/W Liquid Foundations: A Comparative Study of Polyglycerol-Based W/O Emulsifiers.
Zhu C, Zeng L, Xie Z, Luo G, Chung LH et al.
ACS omega, 2026
Tailoring the Stability of W/O/W Liquid Foundations: A Comparative Study of Polyglycerol-Based W/O Emulsifiers.
Zhu C, Zeng L, Xie Z, Luo G, Chung LH et al.
ACS omega, 2026
Tailoring the Stability of W/O/W Liquid Foundations: A Comparative Study of Polyglycerol-Based W/O Emulsifiers.
Zhu C, Zeng L, Xie Z, Luo G, Chung LH et al.
ACS omega, 2026
Tailoring the Stability of W/O/W Liquid Foundations: A Comparative Study of Polyglycerol-Based W/O Emulsifiers.
Zhu C, Zeng L, Xie Z, Luo G, Chung LH et al.
ACS omega, 2026
Tailoring the Stability of W/O/W Liquid Foundations: A Comparative Study of Polyglycerol-Based W/O Emulsifiers.
Zhu C, Zeng L, Xie Z, Luo G, Chung LH et al.
ACS omega, 2026
Tailoring the Stability of W/O/W Liquid Foundations: A Comparative Study of Polyglycerol-Based W/O Emulsifiers.
Zhu C, Zeng L, Xie Z, Luo G, Chung LH et al.
ACS omega, 2026
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR