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Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate

What Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate is & what it does

Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate is an ester of polyglycerin and oleic acid, a fatty acid derived from vegetable oils. It is used in sunscreens and skincare mainly as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant, helping blend oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion. It is often chosen as a milder, plant-derived alternative to traditional PEG-based emulsifiers.

What does Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate do in skincare?

Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate acts as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant in skincare and sunscreen formulas. Its role is to blend oil and water phases into a stable, uniform cream or lotion. It is often used as a milder, plant-derived alternative to traditional PEG-based emulsifiers.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate comedogenic?

Reports on the comedogenicity of Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate vary, and it is hard to generalize because it depends on the full formula and concentration. It is derived from oleic acid, which some people with acne-prone skin find heavier. If you are prone to clogged pores, patch testing a new product is a sensible step.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate natural or synthetic?

Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate is usually described as derived from natural sources but produced through processing. It is made by combining polyglycerin with oleic acid, a fatty acid typically sourced from vegetable oils. The result is a plant-derived ingredient that is chemically synthesized into its final form.

Sunscreens with Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate

We rate 15 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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