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Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate

What Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate is & what it does

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate is a synthetic ester made by combining polyglycerin with capric acid, a fatty acid. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as a mild, nonionic emulsifier and surfactant, helping oil and water phases blend into a stable, uniform product. It is often chosen for its gentle skin feel and its role in creating smooth textures.

What does Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate do in skincare?

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate is used in skincare and sunscreen formulas as a mild, nonionic emulsifier and surfactant. It helps the oil and water phases blend into a stable, uniform product. It is often chosen for its gentle skin feel and its contribution to smooth textures.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate natural or synthetic?

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate is a synthetic ester, made by combining polyglycerin with capric acid, a fatty acid. The fatty acid raw material can be sourced from plants, but the finished emulsifier is produced through chemical processing. So it is best described as a synthetic ingredient that may use plant-derived starting materials.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate vegan?

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate can be made with plant-derived fatty acids and contains no inherent animal ingredients, so it is generally considered compatible with vegan formulas. Because the fatty acid source can vary, those seeking strictly vegan products may want to confirm sourcing with the brand.

Sunscreens with Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate

We rate 11 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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