Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

What Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is & what it does

A plant-derived emulsifier that holds water-in-oil sunscreens together and helps disperse UV filters and pigments evenly. It gives rich, water-resistant creams a smooth, stable texture while conditioning the skin surface.

What is Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier. It binds the oil and water phases of a sunscreen together, which is especially useful in rich, water-resistant water-in-oil creams. It also helps disperse UV filters and pigments evenly and conditions the skin surface.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate safe?

Yes. It belongs to the polyglyceryl family of emulsifiers, made from glycerin and fatty acids, which are mild and widely used in modern formulas. It is used at low levels to structure the cream and is considered well tolerated for most skin.

Does Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate clog pores?

Generally no. It is not flagged as comedogenic in our data and acts as a structural emulsifier rather than a heavy pore-clogging oil. As always, the overall formula matters more than any single emulsifier when it comes to breakouts.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate fungal-acne safe?

Mostly, with one caveat. It is a fatty ester, and the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne can potentially feed on its fatty part, so people prone to fungal acne may prefer to avoid it. For everyone else it is harmless. This is one narrow skin concern, not a sign the ingredient is unsafe.

What is Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is the INCI name printed on the label. The polyglyceryl-3 part refers to a small chain of three glycerin units, and diisostearate means two isostearic acid groups are attached. It usually sits in the middle of the list among the other emulsifiers and emollients.

Sunscreens with Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

We rate 251 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

• Sun Scoop Oil Free Ultra Matte Sunscreen For Oily Skin SPF 50 Pa+++ 96/100
• ACO Sun Face Fluid Mattifying SPF 50 96/100
• Bielenda Professional Supremelab Sun Protect Light Protective Emulsion SPF 50 95/100
• Cliniderm Mattifying Fluid Sun Face Fluid Spf 50+ 95/100
• ACO Sun Face Fluid Mattifying Spf 50+ 95/100
• ISDIN Fotoultra 100 Solar Allergy Protect SPF 50+ 95/100
• ISDIN Fotoultra 100 Sun Tinted Face Cream Depigmenting SPF50+ 93/100
• Lyko Sunsational SPF 50 Face Mist 93/100
• Kruidvat Solait Spf 50 93/100
• Biodermal Mattifying Spf 50 92/100

← All ingredients