Product Overview

Polyglyceryl‑2 Dihydroxystearate is a non‑ionic emulsifier prepared from polyglycerin and dihydroxystearic acid. It delivers multiple functions including emulsification, oil‑phase thickening, structure building and pigment dispersion. Leveraging the synergy between abundant hydroxyl groups of polyglycerin molecules and macromolecular hydrophobic chains of dihydroxystearic acid, this ingredient forms stable interfacial films and spatial networks within the oil phase. It meets comprehensive requirements for stability and skin feel in high‑oil‑phase systems and water‑in‑oil (W/O) emulsion systems.

Product Features

(1) Excellent W/O Emulsifying Performance

Featuring a low HLB value, the ingredient is suitable for water‑in‑oil (W/O) emulsion systems. During emulsification, it forms relatively dense interfacial films, improving emulsion resistance to temperature variation, mechanical shear and long‑term storage.

(2) Favourable Oil‑phase Structure‑building Capacity

Dihydroxystearic acid possesses long carbon‑chain structures, which generate molecular entanglement and spatial networks in the oil phase. This helps mitigate oil phase separation and delivers more uniform texture.

(3) Improved Dispersion Stability of Pigments and Powders

It enhances the wetting and dispersion of pigments and inorganic powders in the oil phase and improves system homogeneity. Therefore, it fits formulations containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and cosmetic colorants.

(4) Optimized Sensory Experience

The polyglycerin moiety provides good skin compatibility. Combined with flexible long‑chain structures of dihydroxystearic acid, it endows formulations with fine, smooth spreadability and improves product spreading performance.

(5) PEG‑Free Formulation Option

Free of polyethylene glycol (PEG) structures, it serves as an alternative to PEG‑based W/O emulsifiers and satisfies formulation requirements for PEG‑free systems.

Technical Advantages

Compared with conventional polyglycerol fatty acid esters, polyglyceryl‑2 dihydroxystearate adopts dihydroxystearic acid as the hydrophobic group. Its higher molecular weight and larger spatial structure enable superior network‑building performance in the oil phase, granting it dual functions as both an emulsifier and an oil‑phase structure modifier. Versus traditional W/O emulsifiers, it achieves synergistic emulsification stability and oil‑phase structure modulation at lower dosage. It helps reduce emulsifier varieties in formulations and increases flexibility in formulation development.

Typical Applications

It is applicable to a wide range of cosmetic and personal‑care formulations, including but not limited to: ‑ W/O skin‑care lotions and creams ‑ Sunscreen lotions, sunscreen creams and sunscreen sticks ‑ Foundation, cushion compacts, BB creams, CC creams and other base‑makeup products ‑ Color cosmetics (lipsticks, lip glosses, cream eyeshadows, etc.) ‑ Anhydrous creams, massage creams and oleogel products ‑ Oil‑phase dispersion systems containing inorganic powders or pigments

Formulation Benefits

‑ Enhances stability of W/O emulsions ‑ Optimizes oil‑phase structure and rheological properties ‑ Boosts dispersion uniformity of powders and pigments ‑ Improves product spreadability and sensory performance ‑ Enables PEG‑free formulation design ‑ Compatible with various vegetable oils, ester oils, silicones and waxes

Recommended Dosage

Depending on product type and formulation requirements, the recommended dosage ranges from 1.0 % to 6.0 %. Actual usage level can be optimized according to emulsification system, oil‑phase composition and target rheological properties.

Product Positioning

More than merely a W/O emulsifier, polyglyceryl‑2 dihydroxystearate is a multi‑functional polyglycerol ester integrating emulsification, oil‑phase structure modification, pigment dispersion and formulation stabilization. It is widely used in sunscreen, color‑cosmetic and high‑oil‑phase skin‑care formulation design and provides expanded technical options for formulators.