Common Name(s): Peg-3/ppg-2 glyceryl/sorbitol hydroxystearate/isostearate,peg-3 glyceryl/sorbitol hydroxystearate and isostearate (mixed) ester,polyethylene glycol-3 glyceryl/sorbitol hydroxystearate and isostearate (mixed) ester

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend together in creams and lotions while conditioning and moisturizing skin.

Why It's Used: Selected for hlb ~5–7 o/w emulsification and skin conditioning; the glyceryl/sorbitol hydroxystearate and isostearate (mixed) chain provides natural affinity with skin lipids.

How It Works: 3 eo units give hlb ~5–7; glyceryl/sorbitol hydroxystearate and isostearate (mixed) tail provides oil-phase anchoring and skin conditioning; nonionic character enables broad ph compatibility and electrolyte tolerance.

Typically Found In: O/w emulsions,creams,lotions,skin conditioning products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,surfactant,moisturizing

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Castor oil (hydroxystearate) and isostearic acid from plant; glycerol and sorbitol from plant; eo/po from petrochemical. [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 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. peg-based; trace 1,4-dioxane concern for certified organic use.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Emollients,humectants,fatty alcohols,other peg emulsifiers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Peg-3 esters of glyceryl/sorbitol hydroxystearate and isostearate (mixed) provide hlb ~5–7, appropriate for o/w emulsification and/or solubilization depending on oil phase. complex multi-functional natural-origin emulsifier; mixed polyol esters; hlb ~5-7.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,specialchem formulations