Common Name(s): Bis-peg-3 polyglyceryl-3 ether,peg-3 polyglyceryl ether dimer
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Attracts and holds moisture in skin while helping oil and water blend in formulas.
Why It's Used: A bifunctional polyglyceryl-peg ether providing both humectancy from the polyglyceryl core and mild emulsification from the peg-3 arms.
How It Works: Three polyglyceryl hydroxyl groups provide strong water-binding (humectancy); bis-peg-3 arms add hydrophilicity and mild emulsifying action; overall molecule is strongly hydrophilic.
Typically Found In: Serums,hydrating lotions,lightweight moisturizers,gentle formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ humectant
Secondary Functions: Emulsifying,skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Polyglycerin from vegetable glycerol polymerization; peg from petrochemical or bio-ethylene oxide; semi-synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low
Sensitivity Concerns: Very mild; appropriate for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,glycerin,niacinamide,peptides,other humectants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Bifunctional peg-polyglyceryl ethers combine the biocompatibility and humectancy of polyglycerol with the solubilizing properties of peg arms; the bis-functional design increases molecular weight and extends residence time on skin surfaces.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,supplier technical data