Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate

TL;DR. This ingredient is a mild nonionic surfactant, solubilizer, and co-emulsifier. It helps disperse small amounts of oil-based materials into water-based formulas and can support gentle cleansing systems.

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

This ingredient is a mild nonionic surfactant, solubilizer, and co-emulsifier. It helps disperse small amounts of oil-based materials into water-based formulas and can support gentle cleansing systems.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate clean?

It generally has a good clean-beauty profile, with low sensitization concern and no major restricted-list friction. Irritation potential is usually low, though any surfactant can feel drying or irritating at higher levels or in compromised skin.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate sustainable?

This material is commonly made from vegetable-derived glycerin and fatty acid feedstocks, often from coconut or palm-kernel supply chains. It is expected to be readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability caveat being responsible sourcing of tropical oils.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate COSMOS-approved?

It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved natural feedstocks and allowed esterification processes. Its Green Chemistry fit is favorable because it can use renewable inputs, has good biodegradability, and does not rely on persistent silicone or fluorinated chemistry.

How does Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate work chemically?

The molecule is a nonionic polyglycerol fatty acid ester with a high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, often cited around the mid-teens, which suits oil-in-water emulsification and solubilization. Typical use is roughly 0.5% to 4% depending on the oil load and surfactant system, and it is generally stable across the mildly acidic to neutral pH range common in skin and hair care.

Last updated 2026-05-16