Description

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate is a cosmetic ingredient predominantly used as an emulsifier and skin conditioner in a variety of skincare and makeup products. It is produced by the esterification of polyglycerin-3 with capric acid, resulting in an ester known as 1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, decanoates in a 1:1 molar ratio with an average of 3 moles of glycerol. This ingredient is favored for its ability to stabilize emulsions and enhance the moisturizing and texturizing effects of cosmetic formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate combines the hydrating properties of polyglycerin-3, known for its efficacy as a humectant, with the emollient attributes of capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. This fatty acid is renowned for improving the skin feel and facilitating the penetration of active ingredients. The ester formed is effective in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and enhancing the absorption and distribution of products on the skin.

Physical Properties

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate typically appears as a clear to slightly yellowish viscous liquid. It is soluble in oils and has moderate water solubility, making it particularly suitable for use in both lipophilic and hydrophilic phases of emulsions. This adaptability makes it ideal for formulations that require a light, non-greasy feel.

Production Process

Synthesis: The synthesis of Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate involves controlled esterification of polyglycerin-3 with capric acid. This process requires precise temperature and pH management to ensure effective ester linkage formation.
Purification: After synthesis, the product undergoes various purification steps to remove unreacted materials and impurities, ensuring high purity suitable for cosmetic use.
Quality Control: Rigorous testing is conducted on the final product to ensure its purity, stability, and effectiveness in cosmetic formulations. These tests typically include evaluations of emulsion stability, pH measurements, and compatibility testing with other cosmetic ingredients.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Widely used in creams, lotions, and serums where it acts as an effective emulsifier, helping to blend and stabilize oil and water components, thereby improving the consistency and feel of the product.
Skin Care: Particularly beneficial in moisturizing formulations intended for normal to combination skin, as it helps maintain hydration without weighing down the skin.
Makeup: Employed in makeup products to improve spreadability and adherence, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate is considered safe for use in cosmetic products and is generally well-tolerated by the skin. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Use within recommended concentrations is crucial to ensure safety and optimal effectiveness.

INCI


Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.
Synonyms:

CAS: 133654-02-1