What Is Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate?
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate is a plant derived ingredient made by linking small glycerin units with fatty acids that come from rice bran, then adding a touch of phosphate to improve its performance in water. Rice bran is the outer layer of rice grains that is normally removed during milling, so using it in cosmetics puts a byproduct to good use. The technology behind polyglyceryl based emulsifiers first gained attention in the 1990s when brands started looking for alternatives to petroleum derived surfactants. Chemists found that joining glycerin molecules created a mild yet effective backbone for cleansing and blending oil with water. By reacting this polyglycerin with rice bran fatty acids and phosphoric acid, they created Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate, a gentle surfactant that fits into modern “clean beauty” formulas.
Manufacturing starts with food grade glycerin that is heated to link three units together, giving Polyglycerin-3. Rice bran oil is hydrolyzed to separate its fatty acids, which are then reacted with Polyglycerin-3. Finally a controlled amount of phosphoric acid is added. The result is a light colored liquid or paste that dissolves well in water and works at a wide pH range.
You will most often spot this ingredient in facial cleansers, micellar waters, gentle shampoos, baby washes, makeup removers, moisturizers that need an extra cleansing boost and sheet mask essences where a low-irritation emulsifier is required. Its plant origin and smooth skin feel have also placed it in many “natural” and “vegan” labeled products.
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker improves both the performance and sensory feel of a product
- Cleansing: The molecule lowers surface tension so water can lift away oil, dirt and makeup without aggressive foaming agents. It leaves skin feeling clean yet not stripped which is ideal for delicate or dry skin types
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water stay blended, creating stable creams, lotions and liquid cleansers. This lets formulators cut back on heavier waxes so the final product feels lighter and absorbs faster
Who Can Use Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate
This gentle surfactant suits nearly all skin types including dry, balanced, oily and sensitive because it cleanses without stripping away the skin’s natural lipids. Those with very compromised or eczema-prone skin may still prefer a richer formula but the ingredient itself is not known to aggravate such conditions.
It is sourced from glycerin and rice bran, both plant derived, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. There are no animal by-products or animal testing requirements specific to this material.
The compound is regarded as low risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of a product to a qualified healthcare provider before use to be extra safe.
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate does not absorb UV light and has no link to photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection practices are still encouraged.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients differ from person to person. The points below outline potential but unlikely effects when Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate is used in a properly formulated cosmetic product.
- Mild skin irritation: A small number of users may notice temporary redness or tingling, usually when the product contains a high percentage of surfactants overall
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Rare sensitization to rice bran fatty acids or glycerin derivatives can lead to itching or rash
- Eye stinging: If a cleanser with this ingredient gets into the eyes it can cause short-lived discomfort similar to many mild surfactants
- Excessive dryness: Overuse of any cleanser, even a gentle one, can disturb the moisture barrier and leave skin feeling tight
If you notice persistent irritation, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate is highly water soluble, has a large hydrophilic backbone and is typically used at low levels or in rinse off formulas. These traits mean it is unlikely to linger on skin or block pores which keeps its comedogenic potential very low.
That makes it generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Because most applications are cleansers that get washed away, the real-world chance of it causing clogged pores is even lower than its rating suggests.
Summary
Polyglyceryl-3 Rice Branate Phosphate works mainly as a mild cleanser and as an emulsifier. Its polyglycerin backbone lowers surface tension so water can lift away oil and debris while its fatty acid tail anchors into oils to keep them mixed with water, producing stable, lightweight formulas.
The ingredient is gaining traction in natural and vegan personal care products but is still less common than older surfactants. Brands looking for gentle plant based alternatives are driving its steady rise in popularity.
Current safety data show it is low risk for irritation and non-sensitizing for most users. As with any new cosmetic product it is wise to perform a quick patch test to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.