What Is Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate?
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is a plant-derived ingredient made by linking six glycerin molecules together and then attaching lauric acid, a fatty acid most often sourced from coconut or sustainable palm. The result is a mild, biodegradable compound that works well in water-and-oil mixtures. Because it is based on food-grade glycerin and naturally occurring fatty acids, it is often welcomed in “clean” or “green” cosmetic lines.
Chemists began exploring polyglyceryl esters in the late 1990s as alternatives to petroleum-based emulsifiers. As consumer demand grew for products free of ethoxylated or PEG-containing ingredients, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate gained popularity. Manufacturing involves heating pharmaceutical-grade glycerin until it links into longer chains, then reacting those chains with purified lauric acid. No solvents are needed, and the process yields an emulsifier that is gentle on skin and environmentally friendly.
You will find Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate in facial cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, sheet masks, sun care lotions, baby care formulas and even some hair conditioners. Its ability to keep oil and water phases stable lets formulators create smooth, non-greasy textures that absorb quickly.
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a skin care or makeup formula Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate serves one key role that makes the entire product work better.
Emulsifying: It binds water and oil together so a cream, lotion or cleansing oil stays uniform from the first pump to the last. A stable emulsion feels silky, spreads evenly and delivers active ingredients more consistently. Because this emulsifier is mild and plant-based it can replace harsher surfactants, leading to formulas that rinse clean yet leave skin feeling soft rather than stripped.
Who Can Use Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate
This emulsifier is considered suitable for all skin types, including oily, combination, dry and sensitive. Its mild nature means it rarely disrupts the skin barrier or causes excess oiliness, so even acne-prone users generally tolerate it well. There are no known skin types that must avoid it unless an individual has a specific allergy to glycerin derivatives or coconut/palm sourced ingredients.
Because the compound is made from plant glycerin and lauric acid sourced from coconut or sustainable palm, it aligns with vegan and vegetarian values. No animal-derived raw materials or by-products are used in its manufacture.
Current safety data shows no reproductive or developmental concerns, so products containing Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate are typically viewed as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice, so anyone who is expecting or nursing should still ask a doctor before introducing new skincare products just to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also biodegradable and generally regarded as non-irritating around the eyes in rinse-off formats, which is why it appears in baby cleansers and gentle eye makeup removers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate vary from person to person. The points below represent potential reactions and are not expected for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin, especially if the product contains other active ingredients such as exfoliating acids
- Contact dermatitis in people allergic to coconut or palm derivatives
- Eye irritation if a high-concentration formula accidentally gets into the eyes and is not rinsed promptly
- Dryness or tightness when used in overly high percentages in a leave-on product that lacks sufficient emollients
If any negative reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is largely water dispersible and does not leave a heavy, occlusive film on the skin, so it has minimal tendency to clog pores. Its molecular structure is far less greasy than traditional fatty acid esters, which keeps it on the low end of the scale.
Because of this low rating, it is generally considered appropriate for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
As with any emulsifier, the final formula matters: if it is paired with highly comedogenic oils, the overall product could still clog pores even though this single ingredient is not a major culprit.
Summary
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is a plant-derived emulsifier that binds water and oil so creams, lotions and cleansers stay smooth, stable and pleasant to use. By linking glycerin units to lauric acid it creates a mild surface-active agent that spreads easily, rinses clean and supports a light skin feel.
Its popularity has grown alongside the demand for PEG-free and eco-friendly cosmetics, though it remains more of a niche choice compared with older petroleum-based emulsifiers.
Safety data shows it to be low-irritation, biodegradable and suitable for all skin types. While reactions are rare, it is wise to perform a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains this or any other active ingredient just to play it safe.