Polyglycerin-6 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a humectant and water-phase moisturizing aid, helping formulas hold water and feel less drying on skin or hair. It can also support solvent balance and mildness in rinse-off and leave-on products.
What does Polyglycerin-6 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a humectant and water-phase moisturizing aid, helping formulas hold water and feel less drying on skin or hair. It can also support solvent balance and mildness in rinse-off and leave-on products.
Is Polyglycerin-6 clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, non-sensitizing, and not a common restricted-list concern. Quality depends on good manufacturing controls for residual reactants and color or odor byproducts, but the material itself is low-friction in most standards.
Is Polyglycerin-6 sustainable?
This material is commonly made from plant-derived or biodiesel-derived feedstock, with palm sourcing possible depending on the supplier. It is water soluble and expected to biodegrade, with low concern for environmental persistence or bioaccumulation.
Is Polyglycerin-6 COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved natural-origin feedstock and compliant processing. Its Green Chemistry fit is strong because it is typically renewable, water soluble, low-irritation, and does not require halogenated chemistry in standard production routes.
How does Polyglycerin-6 work chemically?
The molecule is a nonionic oligomeric polyol built from repeating three-carbon triol units connected by ether bonds, which gives it high hydroxyl density and strong water binding. It is usually used around 0.5–5%, is stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges, and pairs well with other humectants without materially affecting preservation when properly formulated.
Last updated 2026-05-13