Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate: What Is It, Skin Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
Share:

All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What is Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate?

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a lipophilic emulsifier primarily used in cosmetic formulations for its skin conditioning properties. This ingredient may not immediately ring a bell, but it’s a workhorse in a variety of products ranging from skincare creams to makeup.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is generally seen as part of a wider set of ingredients, contributing to the overall potency of the cosmetic formulation. While it can be found in various concentrations depending on the product, it’s not typically available for purchase as a stand-alone ingredient due to its specific use.

Who Can Use Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate?

Now that we’ve understood what Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is, it begs the question, who can use it? The beauty of this ingredient lies in its versatility – it can be comfortably used across various skin types. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate poses no common issues.

In regard to its suitability for vegetarians and vegans, the good news is that it’s purely synthetic and doesn’t contain any animal-derived components. Therefore, vegans and vegetarians can rest assured when they spot this ingredient on the label of their favorite cosmetics.

As for pregnant and breastfeeding women, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare provider when introducing new products or ingredients into your regimen. However, based on widely accepted scientific data, there are no commonly known concerns associated with the use of Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Skin Benefits

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate carries several skin benefits, primarily attributed to its function as a skin conditioning agent. Let’s delve into these benefits:

  • Improves Skin Texture: One of the most significant benefits of Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is its ability to improve skin texture. By acting as an emulsifier, it ensures a smooth and even blend of all ingredients in your skincare products. This leads to an impeccably smooth application and allows your skin to soak up the goodness evenly across all areas. The end result? A smoother skin texture with a noticeable glow.
  • Maintains Skin Hydration: While it isn’t a moisturizing agent per se, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate contributes to skin hydration indirectly. It helps to create a stable, uniform mixture of ingredients in your skincare products, ensuring that the hydrating agents are effectively distributed and absorbed by your skin.

Please note, like with any skincare regimen, the benefits of Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate are not permanent. Sustained use of products containing this ingredient is essential to maintain its skin conditioning effects.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Potential Side Effects

When it comes to any skincare ingredient, it’s crucial to understand that tolerability and potential side effects can vary from person to person. This is primarily because our skin’s reaction to a specific compound can be influenced by numerous factors – these could include individual skin type, sensitivities, allergies, and overall skin health. Understanding your own skin type and individual characteristics can help you anticipate how your skin might react to certain ingredients. This informative piece on how to find your skin type can be invaluable in this regard.

While Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is generally tolerated well by most, potential side effects might include:

  • Skin Irritation: Like with any ingredient, there’s a small chance that some people might experience skin irritation when using products containing Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. Though rare, this can manifest as redness, itching, burning, or stinging sensation on the skin.
  • Allergic Reaction: Extremely rare, but some individuals may be specifically allergic to Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. Symptoms could include hives, blisters, or a rash.

In the instance you experience any of these side effects, it’s vital to discontinue the use of the product immediately and reach out to a healthcare provider or dermatologist. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and ensure that any adverse reaction is promptly addressed.

It’s worth emphasizing that adverse reactions to Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate are infrequent. For most individuals, this ingredient is both safe and effective, contributing to the overall performance of their skincare products.

This underlines the importance of patch testing when trying out new skincare products. It allows you to gauge how your skin might respond to the new ingredient, mitigating the risk of an unpleasant reaction on your face or a larger area of skin. You can refer to our comprehensive patch testing guide to understand the steps to conduct a patch test at home. After all, wearing your skin confidently is about understanding it, as much as it’s about nurturing it.

Comedogenic Rating

When it comes to the comedogenic rating of Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, it scores a low 1 out of 5. This low rating indicates that this ingredient is minimally likely to clog pores and contribute to acne.

This stems from its specific molecular structure and its role as an emulsifier, which aids in the uniform distribution and absorption of other ingredients, rather than accumulating and blocking pores. Therefore, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is generally suitable for individuals prone to acne or breakouts, but it’s always wise to monitor your skin’s reaction when introducing new ingredients.

Conclusion

When navigating the realm of skincare, it’s important to understand that achieving success involves a degree of experimentation and trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another, and it’s about finding what suits your individual skin type and concerns.

In opting for products containing Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, one might be drawn by its role in improving skin texture. Its low comedogenic rating makes it a relatively safe choice for a wide array of skin types, including those prone to acne.

Despite its complicated name, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate isn’t an avant-garde ingredient. It’s a fairly common component in many cosmetic products, albeit playing a behind-the-scenes role in their effectiveness. Its popularity rests not on hype but on its consistent performance in skincare formulations.

As with any active ingredient, patience is key when it comes to seeing its effects. Generally, a few weeks to a month of consistent use will allow you to appreciate the benefits of Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate.

If the reader has any concerns about this ingredient, it’s crucial to remember that skincare is personal. Just because an ingredient is popular or effective for many doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. Listen to your skin, do your research, and consult with a dermatologist if needed. It’s your skin, after all—so you get to decide what it needs.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT