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Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used as a solubiliser/conditioning agent in rinse-off and leave-on products (shampoos, shower gels, micellar waters) where a mild, non-ionic surfactant/emulsifier is desirable.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used as an emollient/skin-conditioning agent – providing the benefits of olive oil fatty acids (oleic, linoleic) in a dispersible/compatible format in water-based systems.
CAS Number: 33940-98-6 for Polyglyceryl‑3 Oleate (which is a simplified representative of polyglyceryl-3 esters of oleic acid)
EC Number: 251-749-7 for Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate.
INCI name: Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Nature: A mixture of polyglycerol (average ~3 glycerol units) esters of the fatty acids present in olive (Olea europaea) oil — i.e. a polyglyceryl-3 derivative of olive oil triglycerides (so it is a formulation/ingredient mixture rather than a single, pure small molecule).
Molecular Formula: given as C₍27₎H₍52₎O₈ for the polyglyceryl-3 oleate version.
Molecular Weight (MW): ~ 504.7 g/mol for that same typical version.
SYNONYMS:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Polyglyceryl-3 Olivate, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-3 (olive) esters, NOVACOS PG3 OL, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters (INCI)
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is a non-ionic, water-dispersible olive oil that acts as a mild surfactant for shower gels, shampoos, micellar waters, and makeup removers.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters have outstanding emollient, restructuring, protective, and anti-oxidant properties.
The intermediate HLB value makes Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters a co-emulsifier in OW systems.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is PEG-free and suitable for green formulations.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is COSMOS approved.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is ingredient on the basis of olive oil (olea europaea fruit oil).
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters contains polymerised glycerin (as alcoholic component).
The number behind "polyglyceryl-" refers to the average number of glycerin units.
"Ester" or "esters" refers to an esterification product (condensation product of alcohol and acid) or a trans-esterification product obtained through direct reaction of fats (mostly triglycerides) with alcohols.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is derived from olive oil and is PEG-free.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters are produced by transesterification/esterification of olive (fruit) oil with polyglycerol-3 (polymerised glycerin).
The result is a water-dispersible, non-ionic blend of fatty-acid esters that retain emolliency of olive oil while gaining mild surfactant / emulsifying and solubilizing properties.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters are manufactured by reacting or transesterifying olive oil triglycerides (rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, etc) with polyglycerol-3 (i.e., a small oligomer of glycerol).
The result is a group of non-ionic ester molecules/oligomers that combine the fatty acid chains (from olive oil) with a hydrophilic polyglycerol head, making them emulsifiable/dispersible in aqueous systems.
This gives a “plant-derived” feel/emolliency (thanks to the olive oil fat profile) combined with the emulsifier/co-surfactant functionality (thanks to the polyglycerol).
Because of their origin and structure they are often used in “natural/plant-based” cosmetic claims (depending on supplier certifications) and are marketed as PEG-free alternatives to polyoxyethylene emulsifiers.
PEG-free alternative to some polyoxyethylene emulsifiers (useful for "natural" or PEG-free marketing claims where allowed).
Because Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is a mixture, batch-to-batch composition (average glycerol units, average chain length of fatty acids, unsaturation level) may vary; suppliers should provide technical datasheet (TDS) with composition breakdown, typical values and recommended use rate.
Since the fatty acid moiety is derived from olive oil (rich in unsaturations), oxidative stability might be a factor; antioxidant protection or appropriate preservatives/packaging might be considered especially in leave-on systems.
For leave-on sensitive skin products, confirm skin compatibility/patch testing even though Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is mild.
For “natural” or “green” claims, check supplier certifications (COSMOS/ECOCERT/NATURAL INDEX) because derivation, processing, and auxiliary chemicals may affect claim eligibility (some grades list natural origin index ~0.61-0.71 for the polyglyceryl-6 version).
Storage and handling of Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters: typical recommendations indicate storage in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, sealed container, away from high heat or direct sunlight; moisture uptake or hydrolysis might affect quality over long storage.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters has been assessed in industry safety reviews (e.g., by the CIR) in the broader category of polyglyceryl fatty acid esters and concluded safe for cosmetic use at customary concentrations (when properly formulated).
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters has low irritation potential due to non-ionic nature and mild fatty acid profile.
Avoid impurity‐related hazards: Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is since derived from vegetable oils and glycerol, check for residual catalysts, free fatty acids, peroxides, etc.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is also check for oxidation products if unsaturated chains are present.
Packaging/storage of Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters should ensure minimal exposure to moisture and air to prevent hydrolysis or oxidation.
For formulations with claims (e.g., “plant-based”, “PEG-free”), verify that the grade meets relevant certification/traceability requirements.
USES and APPLICATIONS of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters are used as an emulsifier/co-emulsifier in personal-care formulations (creams, lotions, milks) to help blend oil and water phases.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used as a solubiliser/conditioning agent in rinse-off and leave-on products (shampoos, shower gels, micellar waters) where a mild, non-ionic surfactant/emulsifier is desirable.
For example, one product listing describes use in emulsions, shower gels, shampoos.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used as an emollient/skin-conditioning agent – providing the benefits of olive oil fatty acids (oleic, linoleic) in a dispersible/compatible format in water-based systems.
In formulations where “natural”, “plant-derived”, “PEG-free” claims are relevant, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is often used to support those claims.
Possibly also in hair care – because of its mild nature, good compatibility and emollient profile, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters may be used in conditioners, leave-in hair products.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters acts as an emulsifier and mild surfactant.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used to formulate emulsions, shower gels and shampoos.
Primary functions: Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used emulsifier, co-emulsifier, solubiliser, mild surfactant, emollient / skin conditioning agent, water-dispersible vegetable oil (used to deliver oil phase benefits in aqueous systems).
Product types where used: Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used creams & lotions, leave-on and rinse-off skincare, shampoos, shower gels, micellar waters, make-up removers, and some color/cosmetic formulations where a natural/PEG-free emulsifier is desired.
Typical inclusion rates of Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters: manufacturer literature commonly indicates ranges from ~0.5% up to several percent (often 0.5–10% depending on function and formulation), but exact recommended use depends on the supplier technical sheet and the particular product (emulsion type, required stability, sensorial profile).
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters provides natural/plant-derived emolliency (olive oil fatty profile) while being dispersible in water.
Mild (non-ionic) — Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is suitable for sensitive skin/rinse products and often used in "mild" surfactant blends.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters can improve sensorial (slip, afterfeel) and help incorporate oil phase benefits into lightweight formulations.
In choosing co-emulsifiers/co-surfactants, one must check compatibility: although mild, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters's HLB and behaviour will depend on grade; so formulators often combine with higher HLB emulsifiers to achieve desired emulsion stability.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is used widely in personal care.
Oil-in-Water (O/W) lotions: Using Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters as the emulsifying agent in a light lotion to deliver olive-oil fatty acids and provide a smooth afterfeel.
Shower gels / body washes: Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters's mild non-ionic surfactant/emulsifier nature makes it suited to formulations where skin mildness is important (for example for sensitive skin or baby care).
Micellar waters / makeup removers: Because of its ability to solubilise oil phase while remaining compatible with aqueous phase, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters may be used in low-foam cleansing liquids/formats.
Hair care (leave-in conditioners / smoothing serums): Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters helps smooth hair cuticle and provide conditioning benefits without heavy build-up.
Usage rates of Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters depend on formulation: typical surfactant/emulsifier roles might see ~0.5-10% depending on product type, but always follow supplier’s recommended use level.
BENEFITS of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters provides the emollient and skin-moisturising benefit of olive oil fatty acids in a functional format (i.e., not just oil phase, but integrated into aqueous or mixed systems).
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters offers mildness (low irritation potential) thanks to the non-ionic nature and plant-derived glycerol backbone – beneficial for sensitive skin or gentle cleansing systems.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters helps improve texture/sensory of formulations (good slip, smooth application, non-greasy feel) because it is an ester of a relatively light glycerol oligomer + olive fatty acids, rather than heavy saturated fats.
Supports formulation flexibility: Because Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is dispersible in water and compatible with oil phases, it helps formulate lighter, “fluid” textures rather than heavy creams.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters can help stabilise emulsions (improved stability, better droplet size distribution, etc) which can enhance product shelf-life and performance.
FUNCTION(S) of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS
*SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Surface-active agent to clean skin, hair and / or teeth.
*SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions).
CHARACTERISTICS & KEY PROPERTIES of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
*Appearance:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is typically a viscous liquid, colour ranges from light yellow to amber.
*Solubility/dispersibility:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is water-dispersible rather than fully water-soluble;
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters blends oils into water (or water into oils depending on formulation) effectively, allowing stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions or other systems.
*Ionic nature:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is non-ionic surfactant/emulsifier (which tends to provide low irritation potential, good compatibility).
*Emulsification behaviour:
Because the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of these esters lies in a moderate range (depending on chain lengths/glycerol units) Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters act as co-emulsifiers or primary emulsifiers depending on formulation.
For example one supplier lists HLB approx 4-5 for a similar polyglyceryl-3 dioleate product.
*Source/fatty acid profile:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters portion originates from olive oil (Olea europaea fruit oil) – so high oleic acid content, some linoleic, palmitic etc.
This means beneficial skin-feel/emolliency.
*Stability:
Being esters of natural oils and glycerol derivatives, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters typically offer good oxidative stability (depending on degree of unsaturation and presence of antioxidants), and good compatibility with typical cosmetic formulation ingredients (emollients, oils, surfactants).
*Sensory:
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters tend to impart a smooth, skin-friendly “slip” and may help reduce greasy afterfeel versus heavier oils.
Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters allow oil phase benefits in lighter textures.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON USE IN COSMETICS of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
Surfactants are so-called detergent substances and have a major significance in cosmetics for the cleansing of the skin and hair.
Surfactants are substances which, based on their molecular structure, are able to reduce the surface tension of a liquid.
In this way Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters is possible that two actually not mixable substances, such as oil and water, can be finely mixed.
Because of their properties, surfactants have manifold uses in cosmetics: they can cleanse, produce foam and act as emulsifiers and mix substances with one another.
In shampoos, shower gels and soaps, surfactants are, for instance, used to wash fat and soil particles with water off from the body.
Surfactants are also used in toothpaste.
Here they promote during tooth cleaning the rapid and full dissolution and distribution of the paste in the mouth.
The surfactants used in cosmetic products are primarily produced synthetically on the basis of vegetable raw materials.
Surfactants are often used in combination to equally meet all desired requirements – like dissolution of soil and formation of foam in combination with a good skin tolerance – in the best possible manner.
Through a skilled combination of a surfactant – viewed on its own – with unfavourable skin tolerance but a very good soil removal property with a very mild, skin protecting surfactant altogether a product with good cleansing properties and the same good skin tolerances is obtained.
Emulsifiers are often used in cosmetics as excipients.
They allow actually unmixable components like oil and water to be brought in a permanently stable emulsion.
In this way both aqueous and oily care and active ingredients can be used in one and the same product in cosmetics.
Emulsifiers are able to do that since their molecules consist of a lipophilic and a hydrophilic part.
In this way they can reduce the interfacial tension which actually exists between two incompatible substances like fat and water.
Emulsifiers are, more particularly, used for creams, lotions and cleansing agents.
At present emulsifiers are, however, more than only excipients which keep an emulsion stable.
Fatty acid esters on the basis of sugar, lecithin or glycerin monodistearate contribute, for instance, to improving the moisture balance of the skin and are, therefore, also considered as cosmetic active ingredients.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
Appearance: viscous liquid / light yellow to amber viscous liquid.
Solubility / Dispersibility: water-dispersible (not necessarily fully water-soluble); forms stable O/W or W/O depending on co-emulsifiers and formulation.
Ionic character: non-ionic (mild, low irritation potential).
Typical INCI variants / related monomeric esters: can include polyglyceryl-3 olivate, polyglyceryl-3 oleate and other fatty-acid esters derived from olive oil fatty acids (composition: mainly oleic, linoleic, palmitic residues).
Because it is a mixture, no single exact molecular formula or single CAS is reliably assigned for the commercial ingredient.
INCI name: Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters.
Nature: A mixture of polyglycerol (average ~3 glycerol units) esters of the fatty acids present in olive (Olea europaea) oil — i.e. a polyglyceryl-3 derivative of olive oil triglycerides (so it is a formulation/ingredient mixture rather than a single, pure small molecule).
Appearance: Typically presented as waxy flakes or solid pastes.
Color: Ivory to pale yellow.
Melting Range: Approximately 50–60°C.
Water Content: Usually less than 1%.
Acid Value: Ranges from 10 to 25.
Saponification Value: Between 85 and 125.
pH (5% aqueous dispersion): Typically between 5.0 and 7.5.
HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): Approximately 11, indicating suitability for oil-in-water emulsions
Surfactant Type: Non-ionic.
Emulsifying Properties: Effective in forming oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
Solubility: Water-dispersible, enhancing formulation stability.
Biodegradability: Completely biodegradable, aligning with eco-friendly formulation standards.
Origin: Derived from natural sources, specifically olive oil fatty acids and polyglycerol
FIRST AID MEASURES of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of OLIVE OIL POLYGLYCERYL-3 ESTERS:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
