What it is
This ingredient is an ester of isostearic acid with diglycerin (polyglycerol-2), giving a mild nonionic emulsifier that contains no polyethylene glycol. It is commonly used to make water-in-oil emulsions and to disperse pigments and inorganic UV filters, which makes it popular in mineral and PEG-free sunscreen formulas. It also provides a smooth, conditioning skin feel.
Safety & warnings
Polyglyceryl fatty-acid esters are mild, well-tolerated emulsifiers often chosen as PEG-free alternatives in sensitive-skin and natural-positioned products. Sensitization and irritation potential are low. It is not generally regarded as comedogenic at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic or semi-synthetic; made by esterifying polyglycerol (derived from glycerin) with isostearic acid, a fatty acid that may be of plant or other origin.
Questions everyone asks
Why is Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate used in mineral sunscreens?
It is a PEG-free water-in-oil emulsifier that also helps disperse inorganic UV filters and pigments evenly for a smooth finish.
Is it PEG-free?
Yes; it is built on polyglycerol rather than polyethylene glycol, so it is often selected for PEG-free formulations.