Polyglyceryl-3 rice branate is a chemical compound of plant origin, a monoester of triglycerol and fatty acids derived from rice oil or rice bran oil with arginine salt (copper arginine). 

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Polyglyceryl-3. This is a polyether compound derived from glycerol, a simple polyol compound. Polyglyceryl-3 is often used in cosmetics as a surfactant and emulsifier, helping to mix oil and water components.
• Rice Branate. This is a substance derived from rice bran, the outer layer of the rice grain, and is rich in oils and other beneficial compounds.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Rice bran oil extraction. The first step involves extracting the oil from the rice bran, the outer layer of the rice grain. Typically, this process is called solvent extraction where a solvent is used to dissolve the oil.
• Hydrolysis. Rice bran oil is treated to form fatty acids and glycerol. This process is generally called hydrolysis where the oil is broken down into its constituent fatty acids and glycerol.
• Polyglycerin-3 production. Polyglycerol-3 is produced by polymerising glycerol. This process involves linking several glycerol molecules together.
• Esterification. The fatty acids from the rice bran and polyglycerin-3 are then fed into a process called esterification. In this process, the carboxyl group (COOH) of the fatty acids reacts with the hydroxyl group (OH) of polyglycerin-3 to form an ester, releasing water as a by-product. The resulting compound is copper polyglyceryl-3.

It appears as a yellowish liquid or as a solid in clear flakes, soluble in ethanol, in mineral and vegetable oils, in alcohols, fatty acids and their esters. Dispersible in water.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant chemical compound of vegetable origin with the function of a non-ionic emulsifier, PEG free. Rice oil or rice bran oil have the function of humectants, moisturising the skin and their inclusion adds a natural fragrance to the products, while arginine has the function of tissue regeneration, rejuvenation, elasticity and skin protection 

Dosages: 

3-4% in milk or lotions

4-6% in creams

Applications

• Emulsifying Agent - Used to create stable emulsions, such as creams and lotions, by mixing water-based and oil-based components.
• Moisturizer - Due to its derivation from rice bran, it may offer moisturizing and skin-nourishing properties.
• Natural and Organic Products - Because of its sourcing from natural resources, it's often found in cosmetic products labeled as "natural" or "organic".
• Products for Sensitive Skin - It might be used in products intended for sensitive skin due to its gentle nature and the antioxidants present in rice bran.
• Solubilizing Agent - Can help solubilize water-insoluble ingredients in formulations.

CAS 1166833-04-0 1166833-52-8

Typical commercial product characteristics Polyglyceryl-3 rice branate

Personal Care Products Council. 4-10-2015. Concentration of Use by FDA Product Category: Polyglyceryl Compounds included in the February 2015 Survey. Unpublished data submitted by Personal Care Products Council.