Common Name(s): Polyglyceryl-3 hydroxylauryl ether,pg-3 hydroxylauryl ether,hydroxydodecanol polyglycerol-3 ether

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Gently cleanses and helps oil and water blend in natural formulas.

Why It's Used: The hydroxyl group on the lauryl chain adds extra hydrophilicity; ether linkage provides stability; pg-3 provides a natural-origin hydrophilic head.

How It Works: Hydroxyl group on c12 chain increases hlb above standard lauryl ether; pg-3 provides polyglycerol hydrophilicity; ether bond provides hydrolytic stability.

Typically Found In: Natural cleansers,o/w emulsions,mild surfactant systems

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – surfactant

Secondary Functions: Emulsifying,skin conditioning

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: Polyglycerol from vegetable glycerol; hydroxylauryl alcohol from plant origin; naturally derived. [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: Very mild; suitable for sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Natural emulsifiers,humectants,other polyglyceryl surfactants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Hydroxylauryl ether of polyglycerol represents an enhanced polarity version of the standard lauryl ether; the additional oh on the fatty chain increases surfactant cmc and water solubility; used in natural and organic cosmetic formulations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary