Polyglyceryl
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Polyglyceryl refers to a family of non-ionic surfactants and emulsifiers made by the polymerization of glycerol units. Depending on the number of glycerol units (e.g., Polyglyceryl-2, -3, -6, -10) and fatty acid esterification (e.g., laurate, oleate, stearate), they offer different emulsifying and solubilizing properties. These compounds are biodegradable, mild, and skin-friendly, making them ideal for use in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Polyglyceryl esters are often chosen in natural and organic product formulations due to their origin and non-toxic profile.
Description
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Polyglyceryl
Primary Uses
- Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
- Serve as emulsifiers in creams, lotions, sunscreens, serums, and cleansers.
- Excellent for oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions depending on HLB value.
- Provide a light, non-greasy feel, making them suitable for facial care and sensitive skin products.
- Common in natural, vegan, and clean-label cosmetic formulations.
- Food Industry
- Used as food-grade emulsifiers and dispersing agents (especially Polyglyceryl esters of fatty acids).
- Help stabilize emulsions in sauces, dressings, ice cream, and non-dairy creamers.
- Improve mouthfeel and texture in reduced-fat or low-calorie foods.
- Approved for use under various food additive codes (e.g., E475, E476).
- Pharmaceutical Formulations
- Act as emulsifiers and solubilizers for oral suspensions, creams, and suppositories.
- Improve the solubility and delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Used in topical preparations to enhance absorption and skin feel.
- Baby Care & Sensitive Skin Products
- Due to their non-irritating, non-sensitizing nature, they are widely used in baby lotions, creams, and shampoos.
- Ideal for eczema and allergy-prone formulations.
Secondary Uses
- Oral Care
- Used as mild emulsifiers and solubilizers in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental gels.
- Makeup & Color Cosmetics
- Help disperse pigments uniformly in foundations, BB creams, mascaras, and lip products.
- Improve long-wear and spreadability.
- Hair Care
- Used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks to enhance foam stability and moisture retention.
- Pet Care Products
- Incorporated in grooming sprays, lotions, and medicated baths for pets due to their non-toxic nature.
- Industrial & Biotech Applications
- Used in bio-lubricants, enzyme formulations, and fermentation processes for their stabilizing properties.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Polyglycerol or Polyglyceryl esters (depends on variant)
- Common/Trade Name: Polyglyceryl (e.g., Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate)
- CAS Number: Varies by type (e.g., 29894-35-7 for Polyglyceryl-3)
- HS Code: 3402.13.00 (Non-ionic surfactants)
- Synonyms: Poly(glycerol); Polyglycerol esters; PG-esters
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid, viscous paste, or soft solid (depends on molecular weight)
- Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; mild to neutral odor
- Solubility: Varies (water-dispersible to water-soluble)
- HLB Value: Broad range (from 4 to 14 depending on ester type)
- pH (1% solution): ~5.0–7.5
- Acid Value: Typically <10 mg KOH/g
- Saponification Value: 80–180 mg KOH/g
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
- Toxicity: Non-toxic; suitable for ingestion and topical use
- Irritation Potential: Very low; suitable for sensitive skin and mucosal membranes
- Allergen Status: Allergen-free, non-sensitizing
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place (15–25°C)
- Container Type: HDPE drums, food-grade pails, or IBCs
- Shelf Life: 2–3 years under optimal storage conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid contamination; use clean, dry equipment during handling
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with:
- EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009
- FDA GRAS status (for specific esters in food)
- ECOCERT and COSMOS-approved (many types)
- REACH registered
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
- Allergenic Potential: Very low; suitable for hypoallergenic products
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and goggles for bulk handling
- Handling Guidelines:
- Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure in concentrated form
- Ensure clean tools and containers to avoid contamination
- Storage Measures: Protect from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Unlikely; move to fresh air if mist inhaled
- Skin Contact: Rinse with water; safe at cosmetic levels
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Ingestion: Generally safe; in large quantities, seek medical advice
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Flash Point: >200°C
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, CO₂, foam, or dry chemical
- Special Precautions: Use standard firefighting gear
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
Related products
Carbomer
Carbomer is a high molecular weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used primarily as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, and suspension stabilizer. Supplied as a fluffy white powder, it exhibits high viscosity and excellent clarity when neutralized and dispersed in water or alcohol-water systems. Carbomer 940 is widely valued for its ability to form clear gels, control flow properties, and stabilize emulsions. It is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and household formulations due to its consistency, compatibility, and efficient thickening performance at low concentrations.
Cocodiethanolamide (CDEA)
Cocodiethanolamide (CDEA) is a viscous, amber to dark brown liquid derived from the reaction of coconut oil fatty acids with diethanolamine. It is a non-ionic surfactant and foam stabilizer commonly used in personal care and cleaning products. CDEA enhances foam quality, viscosity, and skin conditioning properties in formulations. Due to its excellent emulsifying and thickening abilities, it is widely used as a secondary surfactant to boost the performance of primary detergents. It is valued for its biodegradability, mildness, and compatibility with various surfactants and other ingredients in cosmetics and industrial formulations.
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is a secondary amine and diol, widely used in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. DEA is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents. It acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of surfactants, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceuticals. It is valued for its alkalinity, emulsifying properties, and ability to form stable complexes with fatty acids.
Emulsifying Wax Anionic
Emulsifying Wax Anionic is a versatile surfactant blend composed primarily of fatty alcohols (such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol) and anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. It is designed to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between water and oil phases. It appears as white to off-white solid flakes or pellets, with a mild fatty odor and is dispersible in water with agitation and mild heat. Known for its excellent emulsification, cleansing, and thickening properties, this emulsifying wax is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household cleaners, and industrial applications.
Galaxy CAPB
Galaxy CAPB is a high-performance amphoteric surfactant based on Cocamidopropyl Betaine, produced from coconut fatty acids. It appears as a translucent to pale yellow liquid with mild viscosity and a mild coconut-like odor. As a zwitterionic surfactant, it provides exceptional foaming, mildness, and synergistic compatibility with other surfactants, making it ideal for personal care, household, and industrial formulations.
Guar Gum
Guar Gum is a natural polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm of the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It appears as an off-white to cream-colored powder with a neutral odor and bland taste. Guar Gum is a galactomannan composed mainly of mannose and galactose units, known for its excellent water-binding, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It forms highly viscous solutions even at low concentrations, making it a versatile hydrocolloid used widely across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oilfield, and industrial applications.
Myristic Acid
Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 14-carbon chain, naturally found in nutmeg, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and butter fat. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a faint odor. It is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, surfactants, and food additives due to its emollient and cleansing properties. Myristic Acid acts as a key intermediate in the production of esters, detergents, and lubricants.
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA) is a viscous, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is a multifunctional organic compound widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, surfactant, and corrosion inhibitor. Triethanolamine neutralizes fatty acids to form soaps and helps stabilize emulsions, making it essential in personal care formulations and various chemical manufacturing processes. Its versatility and compatibility with other ingredients make it a valuable additive in numerous industries.

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