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Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

What Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate is & what it does

A castor-derived emulsifier that stabilizes water-in-oil systems and helps disperse pigments evenly. It supports rich, stable textures.

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

It is an emulsifier, typically derived from castor oil. Its job is to hold water-in-oil sunscreens together, keeping the oil and water phases blended into a stable cream, and it also helps disperse UV filters and pigments evenly so coverage is uniform. That even dispersion is part of what lets a formula deliver its rated protection. It contributes to richer, more water-resistant textures.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate safe?

Yes. It is a widely used cosmetic emulsifier that works on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed, and it is well tolerated. The same polyglyceryl polyricinoleate is also used as a food emulsifier, which speaks to how benign the chemistry is. At the small levels used in a sunscreen it is non-irritating for most people.

Does Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate clog pores?

Generally no. We have no comedogenic flag on it, so it is treated as generally low risk for clogging pores. It is an emulsifier used in small amounts to structure the formula, not a heavy oil or wax sitting on the skin. If a product breaks you out, the richer oils and butters elsewhere in the formula are far more likely the cause.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate fungal-acne safe?

Not strictly. It is a fatty ester built on castor-derived ricinoleic acid, and the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne can feed on that fatty part, so people who are actively managing fungal acne may prefer to avoid it. For everyone else it is harmless and simply does its job as an emulsifier. This is one specific skin concern, not a general safety problem with the ingredient.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate vegan?

Usually yes. It is made from castor oil, a plant source, and glycerin, so the ingredient itself is plant-derived and contains no animal material. Whether a finished sunscreen is vegan still depends on the rest of its ingredients and the brand's testing policy.

Sunscreens with Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

We rate 383 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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