What Is Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate?
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate is a plant-derived emulsifier created by linking six glycerin molecules to fatty acids obtained from castor or similar vegetable oils. The result is a complex ester that combines the water-loving properties of glycerin with the oil-loving traits of hydroxystearic acid, letting it sit comfortably at the boundary between water and oil phases.
The journey from kitchen staple to skincare helper began in the late 1990s when formulators searched for gentle, PEG-free alternatives to traditional emulsifiers. By using food-grade glycerin and renewable plant oils chemists were able to produce a biodegradable ingredient that suited the growing demand for naturally sourced components.
Production starts with the polymerization of glycerin under controlled heat and vacuum, forming hexaglycerol. This multi-unit glycerin is then esterified with polyhydroxystearic acid derived from castor oil. The finished material appears as a soft paste or wax that melts easily into cosmetic bases.
You will spot Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate in creams, lotions, sunscreens, baby care products, makeup removers, sheet mask essences and even water-resistant foundations. Its ability to create stable, pleasant-feeling emulsions makes it valuable in both mainstream and “clean beauty” lines.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient’s main role is to keep water and oil happily blended so the product stays smooth from the first pump to the last drop.
As an emulsifying agent it helps form stable creams and lotions, improves texture, prevents layer separation during storage and boosts the spreadability of actives on the skin. The result is a formula that feels light yet consistent, rinses off cleanly and maintains performance over time.
Who Can Use Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate
This emulsifier is considered gentle and noncomedogenic so it works well for most skin types including dry, combination, oily and sensitive skin. People prone to redness or reactivity usually tolerate it because it is PEG-free and free of common fragrance allergens. There are no specific skin types that need to avoid it unless an individual has a known allergy to castor-derived ingredients.
Because it is made from vegetable glycerin and plant oils it suits both vegetarians and vegans. No animal-derived raw materials or by-products are used in its manufacture.
Current safety data show no reproductive or developmental concerns, making it acceptable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before starting new skincare just to be safe.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate is not photosensitising and will not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It is also compatible with most other common cosmetic ingredients so formulators rarely report interaction issues.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions only and they are unlikely to occur in the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient redness or itching
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitised to castor derivatives
- Transient stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Temporary eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Clogged pores or minor breakouts in very acne-prone skin when used in heavy, occlusive formulas
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate scores a low 1 because its backbone is glycerin, a non-pore-clogging humectant, and the fatty acids attached are highly branched which makes them less likely to pack tightly inside pores. Formulas using this emulsifier tend to feel light rather than greasy so they rinse or wear off without leaving a heavy residue.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases, though product texture and the rest of the formula still matter.
Its rating can creep higher if blended into very occlusive, waxy products so always consider the full ingredient list.
Summary
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate is a plant-based emulsifier that binds water and oil to create smooth, stable creams, lotions and sunscreens. It achieves this by positioning its glycerin portion in the water phase while its hydroxystearic acid tails anchor into oils, forming a flexible interface that stops separation and keeps textures silky.
The ingredient is popular in clean beauty lines and baby care because it is PEG-free, biodegradable and vegan, yet it is still versatile enough for mainstream formulas. Safety reviews show a very low irritation potential with virtually no systemic concerns.
Most people can use products containing this emulsifier without issues but as with any new skincare, give the product a small patch test first to check personal tolerance.