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Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate
AKA “Polyglyceryl-3 Ester, Emulsifier”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyglyceryl-3 dicitrate/stearate
AKA: Polyglyceryl-3 Ester, Emulsifier
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Chemical Exfoliant
Synthetic
Clean
Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate is the diester of Polyglycerin-3 with a mixture of Citric Acid and Stearic Acid. Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural | Functions: Surfactant - Cleansing, Surfactant - Emulsifying Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Brightens Skin
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A contemporary synthetic emulsifier and chelating agent combining polyglycerin with citric acid and stearic acid. Developed to stabilize formulations and prevent oxidation in modern cosmetics.
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
Unexpected skin barrier influence from nonionic emulsifiers.
Bárány E, Lindberg M, Lodén M
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2000
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Unexpected skin barrier influence from nonionic emulsifiers.
Bárány E, Lindberg M, Lodén M
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2000
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Apricot Kernel Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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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 Dicitrate/Stearate
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
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Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
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Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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