Polyglyceryl-2 Oleyl Ether

What is Polyglyceryl-2 Oleyl Ether?

Polyglyceryl-2 Oleyl Ether is a multifunctional non-ionic compound formed by linking polyglycerol-2, derived from plant-sourced glycerol, with oleyl alcohol from vegetable oils like rapeseed or olive. Primarily used in hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, as well as skin cleansers and lotions, it functions by lowering surface tension to mix oil and water phases seamlessly, creating stable emulsions with smooth textures. The long oleyl chain mimics natural skin lipids, depositing a light film that enhances slip, reduces friction on hair cuticles, and smooths skin irregularities. This enables formulators to produce creamy, non-greasy products that maintain consistency over time, supporting mild cleansing without stripping natural moisture barriers.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
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

Delivers emollient action to soften and smooth skin and hair surfaces.

Supports mild surfactant properties for gentle cleansing and foaming.

Facilitates emulsification for stable, uniform product textures.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with dry or tangled hair needing conditioning slip.
Those with rare allergies to fatty alcohol derivatives.
Individuals seeking mild cleansers for everyday skin care.
People sensitive to non-ionic surfactants.
Users of emulsions like lotions preferring non-separating formulas.
Individuals preferring fully anhydrous product formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic applications from regulatory reviews.
  • Exhibits minimal comedogenic potential on skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyglyceryl-2 Oleyl Ether

What makes Polyglyceryl-2 Oleyl Ether suitable for hair products?

Its oleyl chain provides conditioning slip, reducing friction for manageable, shiny hair.

Is it effective in skin cleansers?

Yes, it enables gentle foaming and emulsification for non-drying cleansing.

How does it contribute to lotion stability?

By forming interfacial films between oils and water, preventing phase separation.