Polyglyceryl-10 Tetraoleate

What is Polyglyceryl-10 Tetraoleate?

Polyglyceryl-10 Tetraoleate is a non-ionic compound formed by linking polyglycerol-10, a chain of ten glycerol molecules, with four oleic acid chains, a monounsaturated fatty acid often derived from plant oils like olive. Classified among polyglyceryl esters, it serves primarily in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and body washes. It functions by stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions through interfacial film formation, preventing phase separation for uniform consistency. As a surfactant, it lowers interfacial tension to facilitate dirt removal and product spreading, while its emollient nature lubricates skin surfaces to enhance smoothness and reduce friction. In skin conditioning roles, it helps preserve the skin's lipid barrier integrity during application.

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

Softens and smooths skin surface for improved texture and feel.

Enables stable blending of oils and water in emulsions like lotions.

Provides mild cleansing action suitable for gentle formulations.

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 normal to dry skin needing emolliency.	Those with rare allergies to oleic acid or glycerol polymers.
Users of emulsified products seeking consistent textures.	Individuals sensitive to fatty acid esters in cosmetics.
People preferring non-comedogenic surfactants in cleansers.	People avoiding multi-functional surfactants altogether.

Safety Notes

Low hazard rating with minimal irritation potential.
Non-comedogenic, unlikely to contribute to pore clogging.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyglyceryl-10 Tetraoleate

What is Polyglyceryl-10 Tetraoleate used for?

It acts as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier in lotions, creams, and cleansers to stabilize formulas and soften skin.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation potential makes it appropriate for many, though patch test for personal sensitivities.

Does it clog pores?

Assigned a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore congestion.