What Is Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters?
Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters comes from the nutrient rich seeds of the Brazil nut tree, native to the Amazon rainforest. The tree’s oil is valued for its fatty acids, vitamins and naturally occurring antioxidants. To create this multifunctional cosmetic ingredient, the oil is combined with polyglycerin-6, a plant derived chain of glycerin molecules. Through a process called transesterification, the fatty acids from the oil bond with the polyglycerin backbone, yielding a gentle plant based ester that carries the skin loving properties of the Brazil nut while adding technical advantages from the polyglycerin.
Plant oils have been used on skin for centuries, but polyglyceryl esters are a newer innovation developed to replace petroleum sourced emulsifiers with biodegradable options. Their rise in cosmetics coincides with growing consumer demand for clean yet effective formulas.
You will most often see Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters in moisturizers, day and night creams, hydrating serums, sunscreens, cleansing balms, hair conditioners and baby care products where a mild non greasy feel is desired.
Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient supports both the sensory feel and stability of modern skincare and haircare formulas.
- Emollient – coats the skin or hair in a light protective film that smooths roughness, reduces moisture loss and leaves a soft cushiony afterfeel without heaviness
- Emulsifying – helps oil and water blend into a uniform cream or lotion, prevents separation over time, improves spreadability and allows brands to craft stable low irritation products free of harsher surfactants
Who Can Use Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal, combination and even sensitive skin thanks to its gentle fatty acid profile and low irritation potential. People with very oily or acne prone skin may want to monitor how their skin feels since rich plant oils can occasionally feel too nourishing on already oily complexions. The ester is plant derived with no animal by-products so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current data shows no specific concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when using cosmetics that contain Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common actives like vitamin C or retinol because it is mild and non reactive.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters can vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues only and they are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Allergic response in individuals with a known Brazil nut allergy
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Temporary clogged pores or breakouts on highly acne prone skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Brazil nut oil is naturally rich in oleic and palmitic fatty acids that can sit on the surface of the skin, yet the transesterification with polyglycerin-6 makes the finished ester more water compatible and less likely to feel heavy or occlusive. The result is a low to moderate likelihood of clogging pores, hence a score of 2. Most people will not notice an increase in breakouts, but those who struggle with congested or very oily skin should monitor how their skin responds when using products containing this ingredient.
The final formulation also influences comedogenicity; lightweight lotions with a high water phase will generally be less pore clogging than thick butters or balms featuring the same ester.
Summary
Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters acts as an emollient that softens and cushions skin and hair while doubling as an emulsifier that keeps oil and water blended in a stable formula. The plant oil supplies nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants, and the polyglyceryl backbone adds a gentle surfactant quality that improves spreadability and rinse off.
It is not yet a household name but formulators appreciate its clean label credentials and biodegradable profile, so it is popping up more often in moisturizers, sunscreens and baby care products that aim for a luxurious feel without synthetic silicones.
Current safety data show a very low risk of irritation for the average user, with the main caveat being potential issues for anyone with a Brazil nut allergy. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to patch test a small area first to make sure your skin is happy before applying it more widely.