Ingredient dictionary

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

An ester made from glycerin-based units and branched fatty acids that softens skin and helps oil and water stay blended. It is on the label of 20 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate does

Softens and smooths the skin
Helps oil and water stay blended
Gives creams a slippery, easy glide

This ingredient is made by joining a short chain of glycerin units and attaching branched fatty acids to them. The result is a fatty ester, an oil-like ingredient that also has a water-friendly side. Formulators use it as an emollient, which softens and smooths skin, and as an emulsifier, which helps oil and water stay together in one creamy product.

In body lotions and moisturizers, it helps the product spread smoothly and feel soft rather than tacky. In lip care, it adds slip and a comfortable glide. It is not a silicone, so it suits formulas that aim for a non-silicone feel.

Good for

Suits body lotions, moisturizers and lip care, where a smooth, soft feel is the goal.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate a silicone?

No. It is an ester made from glycerin-based units and fatty acids, not a silicone. Many people choose non-silicone products, and this ingredient is one common way formulas get a smooth, slippery feel without silicone.

Does it make lip balm feel greasy?

It is used to give lip care a smooth, comfortable glide rather than a heavy coat. How greasy a product feels depends on the whole formula, including the oils, waxes and texture it is combined with.