Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate

TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that helps blend oil and water phases, stabilize light emulsions, and disperse fragrance or oil-soluble actives. It can also support mild cleansing systems and improve preservation performance in some formulas.

What does Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer that helps blend oil and water phases, stabilize light emulsions, and disperse fragrance or oil-soluble actives. It can also support mild cleansing systems and improve preservation performance in some formulas.

Is Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate clean?

From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well accepted because it has low sensitization concern and no common restricted-list friction. At higher surfactant levels, it may contribute to mild eye or skin irritation, so formula context matters.

Is Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate sustainable?

This material is commonly made from vegetable-derived glycerin building blocks and medium-chain fatty acids, with coconut or palm-kernel sourcing possible. It is expected to be readily biodegradable, but palm-linked supply chains benefit from certified sourcing.

Is Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate COSMOS-approved?

It is generally permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulas when made from approved feedstocks using allowed processing. Its renewable carbon content, biodegradability, and non-ethoxylated chemistry give it a strong Green Chemistry profile.

How does Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate work chemically?

The molecule is an amphiphilic nonionic ester with multiple hydroxyl groups on the water-compatible side and medium-chain alkyl groups on the oil-compatible side. Typical use is about 0.5 to 3% for emulsifying or solubilizing, and it is broadly stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, although strong acid or alkaline conditions can slowly cleave ester bonds.

Last updated 2026-05-13