Polyglycerol-4 Caprate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic solubilizer, mild surfactant, and co-emulsifier. It helps disperse small amounts of oil, fragrance, and lipophilic actives into water-based formulas, including cleansers, toners, and micellar products.
What does Polyglycerol-4 Caprate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a nonionic solubilizer, mild surfactant, and co-emulsifier. It helps disperse small amounts of oil, fragrance, and lipophilic actives into water-based formulas, including cleansers, toners, and micellar products.
Is Polyglycerol-4 Caprate clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well-tolerated, not a common allergen, and does not have major restricted-list friction. As with many surfactants, eye or skin feel depends on total formula concentration and the rest of the cleansing system.
Is Polyglycerol-4 Caprate sustainable?
This material is commonly made from glycerin and plant-derived medium-chain fatty acids, though the exact feedstock may come from coconut, palm, or mixed vegetable sources. It is expected to be readily biodegradable and has low environmental persistence compared with silicone or fluorinated materials.
Is Polyglycerol-4 Caprate COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved renewable feedstocks and compliant processing. It fits Green Chemistry principles reasonably well because it is based on ester chemistry, can use renewable inputs, and is biodegradable.
How does Polyglycerol-4 Caprate work chemically?
The molecule is an amphiphilic ester made from a short glycerol-based oligomer and a C10 fatty chain, giving it water-dispersing and oil-solubilizing behavior. Typical use levels are often around 0.5% to 5%, and it is broadly compatible with water-based systems but can hydrolyze under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.
Last updated 2026-05-13