Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

What is Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters?

Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters is a multi-functional ingredient derived from the fatty acids of olive oil, sourced from Olea europaea fruit, esterified with polyglyceryl-6, a chain of six glycerol molecules from vegetable sources. This creates a non-ionic compound commonly used in natural and organic cosmetics like creams, lotions, and cleansers. It works by mimicking natural skin lipids to soften the surface, while its surfactant properties lower surface tension for better spreading and mixing. As an emulsifier, it forms a protective film at oil-water interfaces, ensuring product stability and even texture without synthetic additives.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emollient

Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Skin conditioning agent

Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Provides emollient effects to soften and smooth skin texture.

Supports emulsification for stable, consistent product formulations.

Acts as a skin conditioning agent to enhance moisture retention and flexibility.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals with dry or rough skin seeking softening benefits.	People with known allergies to olive oil or its components.
Users preferring natural-derived emulsifiers in lotions and creams.	Those sensitive to polyglycerol esters in rare cases.
Those with normal skin looking for mild cleansing surfactants.	Users avoiding any plant-derived fatty acid ingredients.

Safety Notes

Rated low hazard by safety assessments for cosmetic use.
Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores based on available data.

Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

What is Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters made from?

Fatty acids from olive oil combined with polyglyceryl-6 from vegetable glycerin.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation potential, suitable for most skin types barring allergies.

What products commonly include it?

Creams, lotions, cleansers, and emulsions for texture and stability.