What Is Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate?
Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate is a plant derived ingredient made by linking five glycerin molecules together and then joining that chain to ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that comes from castor oil. The result is a mild, biodegradable ester that acts a lot like natural skin lipids, which makes it friendly both to skin and the environment.
This type of green emulsifier started gaining attention in the 1990s when brands began looking for alternatives to petroleum based surfactants. Since glycerin and castor oil are renewable and widely available, chemists adapted classic food grade processes to create Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate for cosmetics. The manufacturing method involves heating the glycerin polymer with ricinoleic acid under vacuum, then purifying the finished liquid to remove any traces of free fatty acids.
You will most often find this ingredient in cleansing oils, makeup removers, micellar waters, baby wipes, moisturizing lotions, sunscreens, cream masks and natural deodorants. Its gentle action and plant origin make it popular in skin care lines that position themselves as clean beauty or vegan friendly.
Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate pulls double duty, improving both the feel and the performance of the finished product.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant properties allow it to lift away dirt, excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin, which is why it is a key player in oil cleansers and micellar products.
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water mix, creating stable, smooth creams and lotions that do not separate during storage or use. This keeps textures light and spreads active ingredients evenly across the skin.
Who Can Use Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate
Thanks to its gentle, lipid-like nature Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate suits nearly all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. It cleans without stripping and helps keep emulsions light so most users find it comfortable even around the delicate eye area. Those with extremely acne prone skin may still prefer lighter gel cleansers, though the ingredient itself has a low tendency to clog pores.
The molecule is made from plant glycerin and castor derived ricinoleic acid so it fits easily into vegan and vegetarian routines, with no animal sourced raw materials involved in production.
No data links Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate to hormonal disruption or fetal risk, so it is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show any product they plan to use to their doctor to be certain it fits their personal situation.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so daytime use is fine when paired with normal sun protection habits. Its biodegradable profile and mild action also make it appealing to users looking for eco friendly or baby safe formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur, yet the average user is unlikely to experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild transient skin irritation in very sensitive individuals
- Contact dermatitis for people with a known castor oil allergy
- Stinging or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Occasional pore congestion when used in heavy leave-on products on highly acne prone skin
If any adverse effect develops stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate is water dispersible and rinses off easily, so it does not linger in pores the way heavier oils can. The molecule’s bulky, branched structure also makes it less likely to compact inside a follicle. While its castor-derived backbone could raise a small flag for those extremely sensitive to rich fatty acids, in practical use it behaves more like a mild surfactant than an occlusive oil.
Suitable for most acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, but users who react to castor derivatives should watch how their skin responds.
Its low build-up potential means it is often preferred in cleansing oils marketed specifically for blemish-prone audiences.
Summary
Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate serves two main jobs: it lifts away dirt and makeup as a gentle cleanser and it binds oil with water to keep creams smooth and stable. It does both by combining a glycerin-rich hydrophilic end with a castor-based lipophilic end, allowing it to shuttle grime into rinse water and hold emulsions together.
Although not as famous as mainstream emulsifiers like polysorbates, it enjoys solid popularity in clean beauty lines thanks to its plant origin, mildness and biodegradability. You will spot it most often in oil cleansers, micellar waters and lightweight lotions.
Current safety data shows a very low risk of irritation or sensitization for the average user. Still, everyone’s skin is unique, so it is wise to patch test any new product containing Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate before applying it broadly.