What Is Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters?
Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters is a plant based ingredient made by linking fatty acids from cold pressed hazelnut seed oil to a chain of six glycerin units through a process called transesterification. The result is a hybrid molecule that loves both oil and water, letting it sit comfortably in modern water based creams and cleansers while still carrying the skin loving profile of hazelnut oil. Hazelnuts have long been valued for cooking and skincare, yet the idea of binding their oil to polyglycerin only gained traction over the past two decades as formulators searched for greener alternatives to petroleum derived surfactants and conditioners. The ingredient is made in specialized cosmetic labs where purified hazelnut oil is combined with food grade polyglycerin under heat and gentle catalysts, then filtered to remove any free fatty acids or color bodies.
You will see Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters in light moisturizers, cleansing balms, facial oils, baby lotions, makeup removers, hair conditioners, sheet masks and even in some foundations that aim for a smooth non greasy feel. Its natural origin and flexible performance suit both premium spa lines and everyday personal care products.
Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker brings several helpful roles to a formula:
- Skin conditioning: Leaves skin feeling soft and supple thanks to the balanced mix of fatty acids and glycerin derived humectancy
- Emollient: Smooths the skin surface fills in rough spots and helps reduce transepidermal water loss without a heavy oily residue
- Cleansing: Lifts away makeup sunscreen and daily grime by surrounding oily particles so they can be rinsed off with water
- Emulsifying: Helps water and oil stay mixed which stabilizes creams lotions and milky cleansers improving their texture and shelf life
Who Can Use Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
This ingredient suits most skin types including normal, dry, combination and even oily skin thanks to its light non greasy finish. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it is free from added fragrance and harsh surfactants, though anyone with a known tree nut allergy should proceed carefully or consult a professional before use.
Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters is completely plant derived so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal by products or animal testing are required for its manufacture in modern cosmetic supply chains.
Current research shows no specific concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a qualified healthcare provider before adding new skincare items to their routine.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection habits remain recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters can vary. The following are potential side effects that may occur in a small number of users if the ingredient or finished product does not agree with their skin, although most people will not experience any problems when the formula is properly made and used as directed.
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness, itching or hives particularly in people with existing hazelnut or tree nut allergies
- Mild stinging or burning on very compromised or broken skin
- Transient congestion or small breakouts in individuals who are extremely prone to clogged pores
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes during cleansing
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (low)
Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters carries the lightweight fatty acid profile of hazelnut oil, which already scores low on clog-pore charts, and pairs it with a water-loving polyglycerin backbone that helps it rinse clean. The molecule spreads thinly, absorbs quickly and is less likely to build up inside pores compared with heavier plant oils or pure waxes. As a result products using this ester are generally safe for skin that is prone to congestion or blackheads.
This low rating means most acne-prone users can handle the ingredient without an uptick in breakouts, though overall formulation and personal skin behavior still matter.
Formulators sometimes blend it with richer oils to improve spreadability; in those cases the final product’s pore-clogging potential will depend on the full oil mix, not just this single ester.
Summary
Hazelnut Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters conditions skin, acts as an emollient, lifts away makeup and dirt and keeps water and oil phases married in stable emulsions. It pulls off this multitasking thanks to its dual nature: the hazelnut-derived fatty acids nourish and soften while the chain of six glycerins loves water, giving slip and gentle cleansing power without greasy residue.
While not yet a household name it is quietly gaining traction in clean beauty lines, baby care and lightweight facial formulas looking for plant-based alternatives to silicone or petrolatum. Its decent supply chain and pleasant skin feel help it pop up in new launches every year.
Current data shows it to be low risk with minimal irritation potential and no known systemic concerns when used in topical cosmetics. Even so everyone’s skin is unique so it is still wise to patch test any new product containing this ingredient to ensure personal compatibility.