Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water, especially in creams, lotions, and rich emulsions. It also supports texture, viscosity, and emulsion stability.
What does Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a nonionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water, especially in creams, lotions, and rich emulsions. It also supports texture, viscosity, and emulsion stability.
Is Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and is not a common restricted-list concern. It is not ethoxylated, so it does not carry the same processing-residue concerns associated with some ethoxylated emulsifiers.
Is Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate sustainable?
This material is commonly made from glycerin and plant-derived fatty acids, though the fatty acid source can include palm unless otherwise specified. It is expected to be biodegradable and has low persistence concerns compared with silicone or fluorinated materials.
Is Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from approved vegetable-derived feedstocks and processed according to the standard. Its profile fits Green Chemistry reasonably well because it can use renewable inputs, is nonionic and mild, and is designed for biodegradability.
How does Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate work chemically?
The molecule is an amphiphilic ester built from a multi-unit glycerol backbone and two C18 saturated fatty chains, giving it both water-compatible and oil-compatible regions. It is typically used around 1 to 5% in emulsions, often with fatty alcohols, waxes, or co-emulsifiers, and its saturated chains give it good oxidation stability.
Last updated 2026-05-13