Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate (CAS 157175-98-9, C51H98O14) is a nonionic, sugar- and polyglycerol-based oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier built on a methyl glucose core esterified with stearic acid. It is fully PEG-free (ethoxylate-free), which makes it a go-to chassis for formulators building mild, modern skincare systems without ethoxylated surfactants. Its defining feature is that it organizes the oil and water phases into a liquid-crystal, lamellar gel network — the same layered structure as skin’s own lipids — which is what gives finished creams and lotions their stability, cushioned skin feel, and moisturizing texture.

Applications

O/W emulsifier for face & body creams and lotions

This is the workhorse role: a single emulsifier that builds stable oil-in-water creams and lotions across a wide texture range, from light fluid lotions to rich, protective day and night creams. It is compatible with a broad spread of oils — including polar emollients — and tolerates electrolytes and many actives, so it suits both hot-process emulsification and cold-process / low-energy systems where the oil and water phases are combined under shear. That formulation latitude is why it shows up so often as the primary emulsifier in personal-care manufacturing.

Liquid-crystal / lamellar emulsions

The reason formulators reach for it is the lamellar gel network it forms. Instead of simple oil droplets in water, the emulsifier arranges into stacked bilayers that mimic the skin barrier’s lamellar lipid structure. In practice that means strong physical stability, a smooth non-greasy skin feel, and a moisturizing texture customers associate with premium skincare. The network is easily reinforced by co-emulsifying fatty alcohols such as cetearyl or behenyl alcohol, which thicken the gel phase and let the system carry higher oil loads without destabilizing.

Mild & PEG-free formulation systems

Because the molecule is sugar-derived and contains no ethoxylate (PEG) chemistry, it is well suited to brands positioning around PEG-free, mild, and clean-label formulation requirements. It performs across a useful pH window, which gives formulators room to work with pH-sensitive actives and acids while keeping the emulsion intact.

Sun care & leave-on products

The robust lamellar network also supports leave-on and sun-care formats, where emulsion stability and film integrity matter. It forms stable emulsions with the oils and esters common to these systems and supports water-resistant finishes, making it a practical emulsifier base for body lotions, after-sun, and daily moisturizers intended to stay put on skin.

Forms & Grade

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is typically supplied as a waxy solid — commonly in pastille, flake, or pellet form — that is melted into the oil phase during processing. Exact appearance, melt range, and grade vary by source and lot; the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is the governing reference for any given shipment.

Handling & Documentation

Store in a cool, dry place in sealed containers away from heat and incompatible materials. Always follow the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that lot for handling, PPE, storage, and disposal guidance — the SDS governs. A CoA and SDS are provided with each lot supplied.

Bulk Sourcing from RawSource

RawSource sources Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate in bulk for personal-care manufacturers and contract formulators. Send us your INCI/CAS specification, grade requirements, and target volume — drums, totes, or larger — and we’ll return a bulk quote with CoA and SDS documentation. Request a quote using the form on this page to start sourcing.