Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate

Polyglyceryl-3 caprate is a nonionic surfactant/emulsifier and mild solubilizer typically used at low concentrations (about 0.1–5%) in cleansers and emulsions; it is generally well-tolerated compared with harsher surfactants. However, as a caprylic/capric fatty-acid ester it can still contribute to barrier lipid disruption and stinging in highly reactive or eczematous skin, especially in leave-on products or when combined with other surfactants, so it is best classified as gentle rather than exceptionally gentle. Safety Notes: Polyglyceryl-3 caprate is used commercially as a mild nonionic surfactant/solubilizer and co-emulsifier; in leave-on creams/serums and micellar-type products it often appears at very low levels (~0.05–1%) to aid solubilization, emulsion stability, or preservative-boosting. In rinse-off cleansers, intimate washes, and high-surfactant “natural”/PEG-free cleansing systems, it is found much higher (commonly ~2–10%), with specialty consumer-available cleansing concentrates and surfactant bases reaching ~12–15% as part of the primary surfactant blend. No specific EU/FDA maximum applies, so the upper end is mainly constrained by sensorial tolerance, irritation potential in leave-on use, and overall surfactant system stability.