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Humectant

Polyglycerin-3

Glycerin trimer — a gentle moisturizer and eco-compatible emulsifier from natural sources. It is included in leading COSMOS-certified formulas and is popular in green cosmetics due to its plant origin, safety, and multifunctionality.

glycerin trimereco-compatiblemoisturizernatural emulsifier
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Polyglycerin-3 (INCI: Polyglycerin-3) — polyol, tri-unit glycerin. Molecular weight ~240 Da. Well soluble in water. Obtained from vegetable oils (coconut, palm). Characteristics: less viscous than glycerin, less sticky, COSMOS-approved. Functions: 1) Moisturizer (more powerful than glycerin according to some data); 2) Emulsifier in combination with fatty acids (polyglyceryl esters); 3) Skin conditioner; 4) Solvent for some actives; 5) Formula stabilizer. Differs from polyglycerin-10: fewer units → more lipophilic, better emulsifier.

COSMOS/Ecocert-certified cosmetics, "clean beauty" moisturizers, natural emulsions without synthetic surfactants, products for sensitive and children's skin.

Key Benefits

✦
Moisturization without stickiness — natural polyol
Polyglycerin-3 with 6 hydroxyl groups provides powerful hygroscopic moisturization. Compared to glycerin: less viscous and sticky at the same concentration → better "finish." Skin affinity is higher than that of synthetic glycols (propanediol, pentylene glycol) — more "skin-identical" feel. Well tolerated by sensitive and children's skin.
◈
Eco-compatible ingredient for clean beauty
Plant-derived Polyglycerin-3 (coconut/palm) is COSMOS and Ecocert approved — a must-have choice for "green" or "certified organic" brands. It is not microplastic (unlike synthetic polymer thickeners). Biodegradable. A replacement for synthetic glycols in COSMOS formulas. For brands with sustainability claims: polyglycerin-3 > propanediol petroleum-derived.
✧
Support for natural emulsions (polyglyceryl esters)
Polyglycerin-3 is a basic component of polyglyceryl esters (e.g., Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate — already in the base). In combination with fatty acids: forms natural emulsifiers without synthetic surfactants. Free polyglycerin-3 in the formula additionally supports moisturization and texture alongside polyglyceryl emulsifiers.

Suitable for

sensitive skinchildren's skinnatural cosmetics

Main Actions

✓ hygroscopic moisturization without stickiness✓ COSMOS-compatible moisturizer✓ support for natural emulsions
Polyglycerin-3 vs Polyglycerin-10 vs Glycerin

Glycerin: 1 unit, the best moisturizer, but sticky. Polyglycerin-3: 3 units, good moisturizer, less sticky, better for micelle formation (emulsification). Polyglycerin-10: 10 units, least sticky, most hydrophilic, weaker moisturizer, better surfactant. For cosmetics: polyglycerin-3 — optimal balance of moisture and technology.

CategoryHumectants

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Polyglycerin-3 do for skin?
COSMOS/Ecocert-certified cosmetics, "clean beauty" moisturizers, natural emulsions without synthetic surfactants, products for sensitive and children's skin.
Who should use Polyglycerin-3?
Polyglycerin-3 is suitable for: sensitive skin, children's skin, natural cosmetics.
Are there any warnings about Polyglycerin-3?
Glycerin: 1 unit, the best moisturizer, but sticky. Polyglycerin-3: 3 units, good moisturizer, less sticky, better for micelle formation (emulsification). Polyglycerin-10: 10 units, least sticky, most hydrophilic, weaker moisturizer, better surfactant. For cosmetics: polyglycerin

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