Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

What is Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate?

Polyglyceryl-6 laurate is a non-ionic compound created by linking polyglycerol-6—a chain of six glycerol molecules—with lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid often sourced from coconut or palm oils. It falls into the category of eco-friendly, PEG-free surfactants and emulsifiers commonly found in natural and gentle cosmetic formulations like facial cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup removers. In products, it functions by lowering the tension at oil-water interfaces, allowing oils to mix evenly with water for smooth, stable textures. As an emollient, it helps mimic skin's natural lipids to enhance softness and reduce water evaporation. Its surfactant action supports light foaming and rinses cleanly without stripping the skin barrier.

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

Softens and smooths skin surface for a supple feel.

Supports stable oil-water mixtures in creams and lotions for even application.

Provides mild cleansing that rinses easily without harsh residue.

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 gentle, non-drying cleansers.
People with known allergies to coconut-derived fatty acids.
Those preferring natural-derived emulsifiers in daily moisturizers.
Those sensitive to multi-ester surfactants in rare cases.
Users with normal to combination skin wanting texture-improving ingredients.
Users preferring completely anhydrous, surfactant-free products.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments for cosmetic use.
  • Typically shows minimal irritation in formulations at standard levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

What makes polyglyceryl-6 laurate different from other surfactants?

It uses polyglycerol chains for milder action and better emulsion stability without PEGs.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Its low irritation profile supports use in gentle formulas, though patch test first.

Where is it commonly used?

In cleansers, lotions, and natural emulsions for smoothing and mixing benefits.