Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate

What is Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate?

Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate is a versatile, plant-sourced ingredient created by esterifying polyglycerol-6, derived from vegetable glycerin, with dicapric acid from coconut or palm kernel oils. This non-ionic compound serves primarily in cleansing and moisturizing products such as lotions, creams, and facial washes. It functions by reducing surface tension to aid in gentle cleansing and foaming, while also forming stable oil-in-water emulsions through its amphiphilic structure, which positions hydrophilic heads in water and hydrophobic tails in oils. As an emollient, it imparts a silky texture, enhances spreadability, and helps lock in hydration by mimicking natural skin lipids. Valued in clean beauty formulations for being biodegradable and free from ethoxylation, it supports lightweight, non-greasy textures in daily skincare routines.

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 a smooth, softening effect on skin surface for better texture.

Enables even blending of oils and water for consistent product feel.

Supports mild cleansing action in washes and micellar products.

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 rough skin seeking softening ingredients.
Those with rare allergies to coconut-derived fatty acids.
Individuals preferring plant-based emulsifiers in lotions and creams.
People sensitive to polyglycerol esters in high concentrations.
Users of gentle cleansers wanting stable, foam-forming formulas.
Individuals avoiding esters in ultra-minimalist routines.

Safety Notes

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate

What is Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate made from?

It comes from polyglycerol-6 esterified with caprate from coconut or palm kernel oils.

Is it safe for daily use?

Safety reviews indicate low risk for typical cosmetic applications.

Does it help with product texture?

Yes, it improves spreadability and emulsion stability for silky feel.