What Is Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate?
Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate is a plant derived skincare ingredient created by linking the fatty acids of watermelon seed oil with polyglycerin-6, a chain of six glycerin units. The result is an amphiphilic molecule that loves both oil and water, making it valuable in modern formulas. Watermelon seeds have long been pressed for their light, nutritious oil, but only in recent years have chemists paired that oil with polyglycerin to gain extra performance and a gentler profile. The ingredient is produced through a food grade esterification process in which the two starting materials are combined under controlled heat and vacuum, then purified to remove unreacted components.
Because it can soften skin while helping oil and water stay mixed, Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate appears in a wide range of products such as facial moisturizers, hydrating masks, lightweight serums, sun care, baby lotions and even natural deodorant sticks. Its plant origin and PEG free status also make it popular in “clean beauty” lines.
Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This dual action ingredient supports a formula in two important ways:
- Emollient – Lays down a thin lipid layer that smooths rough patches, boosts suppleness and helps reduce water loss so skin feels soft and comfortable
- Emulsifying – Binds oil and water into a stable blend, allowing makers to craft creams and lotions with a light, non greasy feel even when rich plant oils are included
Who Can Use Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate
With its light, non greasy touch and low risk of clogging pores, Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin that struggles with heavier occlusives. Extremely acne-prone users who react to fatty esters in general may want to keep an eye on how their skin responds, but the ingredient itself carries a very low comedogenic profile.
The material is entirely plant derived so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. No animal sourced components are involved in either the watermelon seed oil or the polyglycerin chain.
There is no evidence that the ingredient is harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It sits on the surface of the skin and is not expected to penetrate in meaningful amounts, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.
Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, therefore it is not considered photosensitising. It is also gentle enough for use in baby care formulas and products designed for the delicate eye area.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients differ from person to person. The following points list potential side effects of Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Mild redness or temporary irritation, especially on very reactive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to watermelon derivatives or glycerin-based esters
- Pore congestion or small bumps in exceptionally acne-prone skin if used in heavy, oil-rich formulas
- Slight stinging when applied to broken, freshly shaved or over-exfoliated skin
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low)
Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate is a lightweight ester that sits on the surface of skin without forming a heavy, occlusive film. Its fatty acid profile is mostly linoleic and oleic acid from watermelon seed oil, both of which are considered low clogging, and the polyglycerin backbone boosts water affinity so residue rinses away easily. Because it helps emulsify rather than thicken oils, it tends to keep formulas breathable, earning it a rating of 1.
This makes the ingredient generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin types.
Worth noting: the overall comedogenic feel of a finished product depends on the full formula. Pairing this ester with very rich butters or waxes can raise a product’s pore-clogging potential even if the ester itself is low.
Summary
Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus Seedate works as an emollient that smooths and softens plus an emulsifier that binds oil and water so creams stay stable and feel light. It performs these jobs by combining the skin-loving fatty acids of watermelon seed oil with a six-unit polyglycerin chain that attracts water, giving it a unique dual nature.
The ingredient is gaining traction in clean and minimalist formulations but is still less common than older emulsifiers like glyceryl stearate. Brands looking for plant-based PEG-free options are driving its rise in popularity.
Safety data show it is low irritant and non-sensitising for most users. As with any new skincare addition it is wise to patch test a small area before full use just in case individual sensitivities exist.