Ester PGPR (Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate)
What is Ester PGPR?
Ester PGPR is a non-ionic emulsifier based on polyglycerol and condensed fatty acids derived from castor oil, with the stated INCI name Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate. The product is made entirely from renewable plant-based raw materials and is available for cosmetic, technical and food-related applications.
PGPR stands for Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate. This group of surfactants is characterised by a strong affinity for oil-based ingredients and good emulsifying properties. Ester PGPR is also available in Food Grade quality.
The main properties are:
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Plant-based and renewable raw materials
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Non-ionic surfactant structure
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Emulsifying action in oil-continuous systems
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Production without ethoxylation
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Availability in cosmetic, technical and food grades
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Potential to replace certain ethoxylated emulsifiers
Packaging
- IBC
- Drum
- Can
- Bulk
CAS
68936-89-0
29894-35-7
235783-76-3
INCI-name
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate
Application
- Technisch
- Cosmetisch
- Voeding
How is Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate produced?
Ester PGPR is produced by reacting polyglycerol with condensed fatty acids derived from castor oil. Castor oil contains a high proportion of ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with a hydroxyl group. This allows ricinoleic acid molecules to be linked together through esterification.
The production process generally involves:
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Extraction of plant-based glycerol and castor oil
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Condensation of glycerol into polyglycerol
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Formation of condensed ricinoleic acid structures
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Esterification of polyglycerol with the fatty acid components
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Purification and standardisation to achieve the desired quality
The polyglycerol groups can interact with water, while the long fatty acid structures have a strong affinity for oil. This creates a surface-active substance suitable for specific emulsion systems. The production process does not require ethoxylation, and the intended structure contains no PEG chains.
How does Ester PGPR work in a formulation?
Ester PGPR reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water and can support the distribution of water droplets within a continuous oil phase.
How does Ester PGPR work as an emulsifier?
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate positions itself at the interface between oil and water. The lipophilic fatty acid structures have an affinity for oil, while the polyglycerol groups interact with water. As a result, the product supports the formation of water-in-oil emulsions, the distribution of water droplets and the physical stability of suitable systems.
Practical example: in a water-in-oil cream, Ester PGPR can form part of the emulsifier system that distributes water droplets throughout the oil phase.
How does Ester PGPR affect the flow of fat-rich systems?
PGPR can influence the interactions between solid particles in fat-rich suspensions. In chocolate, it can reduce the yield stress, meaning that the mass begins to flow with less force. This can facilitate pumping, dosing, moulding and coating.
Practical example: in a chocolate coating, PGPR can help apply an even layer around a product. The effect depends on the formulation, fat content and other emulsifiers.
Can Ester PGPR be used as a solubiliser?
Ester PGPR can help disperse certain ingredients in oil-containing systems. However, it is not automatically suitable as a conventional high-HLB solubiliser for clear aqueous products. More hydrophilic substances are often used for such applications. Any replacement of Polysorbate-20, Polysorbate-80 or PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil must therefore be tested for each formulation.
Why is Ester PGPR of interest for plant-based formulations?
The combination of plant-based glycerol and castor oil fatty acids makes Ester PGPR of interest for formulations based on renewable raw materials. Since ethoxylation is not required, the product can be investigated as a PEG-free alternative in applications where the functional properties are comparable.
In which industries is Ester PGPR used?
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate can be investigated for water-in-oil creams, nourishing balms, make-up formulations and other oil-containing skincare products. It is particularly interesting where oil compatibility, emulsification and a non-ethoxylated composition are desired.
Technical applications
In technical systems, Ester PGPR can be used or investigated for water-in-oil emulsions, oil-containing dispersions, specialised emulsifier systems and formulations containing vegetable oils. Its ultimate suitability depends on the desired emulsion structure, viscosity and compatibility.
Food industry
PGPR is available in Food Grade quality and is known as E476 under European food additive regulations. It is used in certain chocolate products, chocolate coatings and fat-rich fillings, among other applications. In chocolate, it primarily helps influence the yield stress. For food applications, the appropriate grade must be selected and the legal conditions for each product category must be checked.
In addition to Ester PGPR, we offer many other products in our range. Read about them on our insights page!
Frequently asked questions about Ester PGPR
1. What are the main advantages of Ester PGPR?
The advantages include its plant-based origin, production without ethoxylation, emulsifying action in oil-continuous systems and the ability to improve the flow properties of fat-rich suspensions. The product is also available in various grades, including Food Grade.
2. What is the difference between Ester PGPR and Polysorbate-80?
Polysorbate-80 is an ethoxylated sorbitan oleate ester with a relatively hydrophilic character and is often used in oil-in-water emulsions. Ester PGPR is based on polyglycerol and condensed castor oil fatty acids, is generally more lipophilic and is primarily used for water-in-oil emulsions. They are therefore not directly interchangeable.
3. Can Ester PGPR replace PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
This can be investigated in specific formulations, but not as a general one-to-one replacement. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is often used as a solubiliser in aqueous systems, whereas PGPR is primarily suitable for oil-continuous systems. Clarity, emulsion type and stability must be reassessed.
4. Is Ester PGPR suitable for use in food products?
Yes, a Food Grade version is available. PGPR is known as E476 and is used as a food emulsifier in permitted applications. A technical or cosmetic grade is not automatically suitable for food use. Check the product specification and the legal conditions of use.
5. Is Ester PGPR entirely plant-based and PEG-free?
According to the product information, Ester PGPR is produced entirely from renewable plant-based raw materials. The reaction between polyglycerol and condensed castor oil fatty acids does not require ethoxylation. Current supplier documentation is authoritative for certifications and origin claims.
6. What should be considered when formulating?
Check the desired emulsion type, the type of oil or fat, the ratio between the phases, the presence of other emulsifiers and the desired viscosity. For food applications, the grade and legal conditions of use are also essential. Practical stability and processing tests remain necessary.
Chempri: your partner for Ester PGPR
At Chempri, we specialise in the production and supply of high-quality oleochemicals and their derivatives, including Ester PGPR. Our products are manufactured in our modern production facility and can be tailored to the specific needs of our customers.
With Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, we offer a plant-based emulsifier for cosmetic, technical and food-related applications. Ester PGPR is also available in Food Grade quality, allowing a suitable grade to be selected for the intended application.
Would you like to know which grade is suitable for your formulation, or are you looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional ethoxylated emulsifiers?
