Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier used to help oil and water form stable creams, lotions, and cleansing emulsions. It can also add body, improve glide, and support a softer skin feel.

What does Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier and co-emulsifier used to help oil and water form stable creams, lotions, and cleansing emulsions. It can also add body, improve glide, and support a softer skin feel.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate clean?

This ingredient is generally well accepted in clean-beauty frameworks because it is mild, non-ethoxylated, and not a common sensitizer. The main quality question is feedstock transparency rather than routine irritation or restricted-list friction.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate sustainable?

This material is commonly made from glycerin and long-chain fatty acids that may come from vegetable sources such as rapeseed or palm-related supply chains. It is expected to be biodegradable, with sustainability performance depending on certified, traceable sourcing of the fatty acid portion.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate COSMOS-approved?

It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulation principles when sourced and processed according to the standard’s allowed chemistry. From a Green Chemistry view, it scores well for renewable feedstock potential, mild esterification chemistry, and expected biodegradability.

How does Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate work chemically?

The molecule is a nonionic ester built from a six-unit glycerol backbone and a C22 saturated fatty acid chain, giving it both water-compatible and oil-compatible regions. Typical use is about 0.5% to 5% as an emulsifier or texture-support ingredient, and like many esters it is most stable in moderately acidic to neutral systems rather than strongly acidic or alkaline formulas.

Last updated 2026-05-13