Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate

What is Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate?

Polyglyceryl-10 dioleate forms by linking polyglycerol-10, produced from polymerizing plant-sourced glycerol, with oleic acid from vegetable oils such as olive or sunflower. This creates a versatile, non-ionic compound widely incorporated into lotions, creams, cleansers, and makeup formulations. It functions primarily by positioning itself at the oil-water interface, creating a protective film that stabilizes mixtures and prevents phase separation for uniform consistency. The oleate chains contribute emollient qualities, mimicking skin lipids to enhance slip and reduce dryness. As a surfactant, it lowers interfacial tension, supporting effective yet mild dispersion in rinse-off items. Its structure allows compatibility across various product types, making it suitable for everyday cosmetic applications without compromising formula stability.

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.

Benefits

Provides emollient action to soften and smooth skin texture.

Enables stable oil-in-water emulsions for even product distribution.

Assists in surfactant roles for gentle cleansing in wash-off formulas.

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 skin needing added softness from emollients.
Those allergic to oleic acid or glycerol polymers.
Users of creams and lotions benefiting from stable textures.
Individuals experiencing irritation from similar esters.
People seeking mild surfactants in daily cleansers.
People preferring to avoid multi-functional emulsifiers.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard overall with minimal risk profile.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to contribute to pore clogging.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate

What makes polyglyceryl-10 dioleate suitable for cosmetics?

Its ability to emulsify oils and water ensures stable, smooth-textured products.

Is it derived from natural sources?

Yes, from glycerol polymers and vegetable-derived oleic acid.

Does it help with skin feel?

Acts as an emollient to soften and improve skin slip.