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SHEA BUTTER POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS.

Valuable / EMULSION STABILISING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is a sophisticated ingredient derived from shea butter, functioning primarily as an effective emulsifier to create stable oil-in-water formulations. Beyond its structural role, it provides substantial moisturizing, conditioning, and emollient benefits, significantly enhancing skin hydration, texture, and softness.

Emulsifying Agent Moisturizer Skin-Conditioning Agent Emollient Anti-inflammatory Surfactant Foam Booster Cleansing Agent

Science

This ester acts as a highly effective emulsifying agent, crucial for blending immiscible oil and water phases into stable emulsions. On the skin, it actively moisturizes and conditions, supporting the skin's natural barrier function to prevent transepidermal water loss and maintain optimal hydration. Its emollient properties leave the skin feeling notably smooth and soft. The ingredient also demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate redness, swelling, and irritation. Its beneficial composition includes fatty acids (stearic, oleic, linoleic), polyglyceryl-3, vitamins (A, E), phytosterols, and triterpenes, which collectively contribute to skin health. Additionally, it can function as a surfactant, foam booster, and gentle cleansing agent.


Research

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A


Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyglycerol esters generally exhibit robust thermal stability and resistance to both acids and salts. However, the ester linkage within the molecule can undergo accelerated hydrolysis when exposed to strong bases or acids, indicating that a more neutral pH range is optimal for maintaining long-term stability in formulations.


Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has thoroughly assessed the safety of Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-3 Esters among a group of 274 polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, concluding its safety for use in cosmetic applications under current practices, provided the final formulations are non-irritating. While a specific maximum concentration for Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-3 Esters was not individually established, related polyglyceryl fatty acid esters in the same group have been noted as safe at concentrations up to 40% in leave-on products. General polyglycerol esters have shown no adverse effects even at a test concentration of 5 wt%.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Valuable

A safe and highly versatile ingredient, Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is valuable for its multi-functional emulsifying, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties, making it beneficial for various skin types and formulations.


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