Polyglyceryl 10 Behenate/Eicosadioate

What is Polyglyceryl 10 Behenate/Eicosadioate?

Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate is a versatile cosmetic ingredient formed by esterifying polyglycerol-10, a polymer derived from glycerol, with behenic acid—a long-chain saturated fatty acid sourced from vegetable oils—and eicosadioic acid, a dicarboxylic fatty acid. This creates a hydrophilic-lipophilic structure ideal for skincare formulations like lotions, creams, cleansers, and shampoos. It functions primarily as an emulsifier by surrounding oil droplets with its lipophilic tails and hydrophilic heads, preventing separation and ensuring stable, uniform textures. As a surfactant, it lowers surface tension to facilitate dirt and oil removal during cleansing. Additionally, its emollient properties deposit a light film on skin, promoting smoothness and flexibility without greasiness. Commonly found in rinse-off and leave-on products, it supports modern emulsion-based cosmetics.

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:

Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
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.

Benefits

Supports smooth, even product textures through stable emulsions.

Aids gentle cleansing by reducing surface tension.

Enhances skin feel with conditioning effects for softness.

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 seeking stable, non-separating skincare formulas.
Those with rare allergies to glycerol or fatty acid derivatives.
People with normal to dry skin needing mild surfactants.
People experiencing irritation from multi-ester emulsifiers.
Users of cleansers and lotions preferring smooth application.
Individuals preferring strictly natural or minimalist ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe for cosmetic use in standard concentrations.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyglyceryl 10 Behenate/Eicosadioate

What is Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate?

A polyglyceryl ester used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and skin conditioner in cosmetics.

Is it safe for daily use?

Yes, it's considered safe in typical cosmetic amounts with low irritation risk.

Does it clog pores?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of zero.