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
Amphoteric Surfactants
Amphoteric surfactants are unique surface-active agents that can act as either anionic or cationic surfactants depending on the pH of the solution. These molecules contain both acidic (carboxyl or sulfonic) and basic (amine or quaternary ammonium) functional groups, giving them high versatility, mildness, and compatibility with other surfactants. Amphoteric surfactants are widely used in personal care, household cleaning, industrial applications, pharmaceuticals, and specialty formulations where low irritation and effective cleansing are critical. Common examples include Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Lauryl Betaine.
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.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Food Grade
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Food Grade is a water-soluble cellulose derivative produced by the etherification of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid. It appears as a fine, white to off-white powder with excellent thickening, stabilizing, and water retention properties. Designed specifically for food applications, this grade complies with food safety regulations and is widely used as a texture modifier, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a variety of processed foods. It enhances product consistency, extends shelf life, and improves moisture retention without altering taste or odor. Being non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-caloric, it is considered safe for human consumption and is approved as a food additive in many countries.
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride (CTAC) is a cationic surfactant and quaternary ammonium compound characterized by a long hydrophobic cetyl (C16) alkyl chain and a positively charged ammonium head group. It appears as a white to pale yellow powder or flakes, soluble in water, and exhibits strong surface-active properties. CTAC is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and industrial applications for its excellent conditioning, antistatic, emulsifying, and disinfectant capabilities. It functions primarily as a fabric softener, hair conditioner, and antimicrobial agent.
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.
Emulsifier ( Emulgator) NP-9
Emulsifier ( Emulgator) NP-9 is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs), specifically with an average of 9 ethylene oxide (EO) units. It is widely used as an effective emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing agent. NP-9 is typically a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid, soluble in water and various organic solvents. It is valued for its strong emulsifying ability to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, excellent detergency, and good compatibility with other surfactants and formulation ingredients. NP-9 is commonly employed in industrial, agricultural, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and cleaning applications.
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.
Polysorbates
Polysorbates are a class of nonionic surfactants derived from sorbitol and fatty acids, commonly used as emulsifiers, solubilizers, and dispersing agents in a wide range of industries. They improve the mixing of oil and water phases, stabilize emulsions, and enhance the texture and consistency of formulations. Polysorbates are widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and industrial applications due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and effectiveness at low concentrations.

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