Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate/Caprylate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a mild nonionic surfactant, solubilizer, and emulsifier used to disperse oils, fragrance components, and actives in water-based formulas. It can also support cleansing foam and improve rinse feel in gentle wash products.
What does Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate/Caprylate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a mild nonionic surfactant, solubilizer, and emulsifier used to disperse oils, fragrance components, and actives in water-based formulas. It can also support cleansing foam and improve rinse feel in gentle wash products.
Is Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate/Caprylate clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and not commonly flagged on major restricted lists. Sensitivity is uncommon, though any surfactant system can be drying or irritating at higher total use levels.
Is Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate/Caprylate sustainable?
This material is commonly made from plant-derived glycerin and medium-chain fatty acids, often from coconut or palm-kernel supply chains. It is expected to be readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability watchpoint being traceable sourcing for tropical oil inputs.
Is Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate/Caprylate COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved renewable feedstocks and allowed processing chemistry. Its profile fits Green Chemistry well because it uses renewable inputs, ester chemistry, and biodegradable structures.
How does Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate/Caprylate work chemically?
The molecule is a nonionic ester with a six-unit glycerol-derived hydrophilic head group and C8/C10 fatty chains, giving it useful oil-solubilizing and mild cleansing behavior. Typical use is about 0.5% to 5% depending on the formula, and it is usually stable in mildly acidic to neutral systems but can hydrolyze under strong acid or alkaline conditions.
Last updated 2026-08-17