What Is Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate?
Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate is a plant-derived ingredient made by linking six glycerin units with seven molecules of caprylic acid, a fatty acid that comes from coconut or palm oil. The result is a heptaester that combines the water-loving nature of glycerin with the oil-loving character of caprylic acid. This balance lets it play well with both water and oil in a formula.
Interest in polyglyceryl esters began in the 1990s as brands searched for alternatives to petroleum-based emulsifiers. Over time chemists learned to fine-tune the size of the polyglycerin backbone and the type of fatty acid used, giving rise to options like Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate that deliver reliable performance while staying gentle on skin.
Production starts with glycerin from vegetable sources. Through a controlled heating process, six glycerin molecules are joined to form hexaglycerol. This backbone is then reacted with caprylic acid to create the final ester. The method avoids harsh solvents and keeps by-products to a minimum, which is why the ingredient often appears in natural or clean-label formulas.
You’ll most often find Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate in lightweight moisturizers, facial serums, cleansing oils, sunscreen lotions and sheet mask essences where a smooth non-greasy feel is important.
Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main job is to keep water and oil blended so the product stays stable and pleasant to use. As an emulsifier it helps creams stay creamy prevents separation in lotions and gives cleansing oils the ability to rinse off cleanly. formulators value it because it works at low levels feels silky on skin and supports transparent or low-viscosity products where heavier emulsifiers might fail.
Who Can Use Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate
This emulsifier is gentle enough for all skin types including sensitive, oily, combination, normal and dry skin. It is lightweight and non-occlusive so it will not weigh down oily skin yet still brings a smooth feel that dry skin can appreciate. No specific skin type is advised to avoid it unless an individual has a known allergy to caprylic acid derivatives.
Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate is sourced from vegetable glycerin and coconut or palm-derived caprylic acid which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used during manufacturing.
The ingredient is not known to interfere with pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
It does not cause photosensitivity so there is no added need for extra sun protection beyond the usual daily SPF recommendation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential issues and are unlikely to occur for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Transient stinging on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to caprylic acid derivatives
- Possible clogged pores or breakouts in people extremely prone to acne when used in very rich formulas
If any uncomfortable reaction appears discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate is an ester of a short-chain fatty acid and a glycerin backbone, so it spreads easily and rinses away without forming a heavy film that can trap dead skin and oil. It is used at low concentrations and has a lightweight feel, which keeps pore-clogging potential minimal.
Because of this low score, it is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Only those who find almost any lipidic ingredient problematic might need to watch for congestion when the formula also contains richer oils or butters.
The rating can shift if the overall product is very occlusive or if the ingredient is combined with highly comedogenic oils, so always look at the full ingredient list rather than judging any single component in isolation.
Summary
Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate is mainly an emulsifier, helping water and oil stay blended so creams stay smooth, lotions stay stable and cleansing oils wash off clean. Its dual water-and-oil loving structure lets it create uniform textures without the heavy feel some traditional emulsifiers leave behind.
While not as famous as classic emulsifiers like polysorbates, its use is growing in clean beauty and vegan formulas thanks to its plant origin and gentle skin profile.
Overall safety data show it is low in irritation risk non-sensitising and unlikely to clog pores. Still, skin can react differently to any ingredient, so doing a small patch test when trying a new product is the safest way to rule out individual sensitivities.