Common Name(s): Ppg-3 glyceryl ether triacrylate,glyceryl ester or ether,emollient emulsifier humectant
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides skin conditioning and moisture retention from glycerol's polyol humectancy combined with fatty acid chain sc integration โ simultaneously moisturising and emollient.
Why It's Used: Glycerol esters provide uniquely dual function: glycerol backbone contributes humectancy while fatty acid chains contribute emolliency. the degree of esterification controls hlb โ mono-esters are co-emulsifiers; tri-esters are pure emollients.
How It Works: Multiple free hydroxyl groups on the glycerol backbone bind water molecules through h-bonding providing hygroscopic moisture retention. fatty acid ester chains provide lipid-phase compatibility for sc bilayer integration. hlb from mono (3-6) to tri-ester (1-2) determines emulsification tendency and application. spreading value is chain-length dependent: c8-c12 fast-absorbing; c14-c18 moderate; c20+ occlusive.
Typically Found In: Skin care,emulsions,emollient bases
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glycerol ester skin feel is chain-length controlled: short chains (c8-c12) provide fast-absorbing dry feel; medium chains (c14-c18) provide moderate spreading rich feel; long chains (c20+) provide occlusive emolliency. formulators select chain to target the desired sensory output.
Last Verified: Cosing database,ppg-3 glyceryl ether triacrylate glyceryl ester/ether review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12