Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is a commonly used cosmetic ingredient, with a CAS 75798-42-4 and an English name of Polyglycerol-4 laurate. Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is produced through polymerization and esterification reactions of glycerol and lauric acid, with an average molar ratio of 4 moles of glycerol to 1 mole of lauric acid. Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is a nonionic surfactant with excellent solubilizing, emulsifying, dispersing and lubricating capabilities.
Characteristics of Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
High mildness: Synthesized from glycerin and lauric acid through a green process, it is generally regarded as a mild ingredient and does not irritate the skin like traditional SLS emulsifiers. It is suitable for use in formulas for sensitive skin and baby products.
Moisturizing and softening effects: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate has a certain moisturizing ability, which can help the skin lock in moisture. It also has a slight moisturizing effect, making the skin and hair feel smoother and improving the user experience of the product.
Strong compatibility Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can be combined with almost any type of active ingredient. When used in combination with nicotinamide, retinol, hyaluronic acid, etc., it will not affect the efficacy of these active ingredients, which makes polyglyceryl-4 Laurate highly flexible in cosmetic formula design.
Environmentally friendly and degradable: The raw material of Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is derived from natural glycerol and lauric acid. Lauric acid is commonly found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, etc. Moreover, this component is a degradable one, making it relatively environmentally friendly.
What are the uses of Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate?
Cosmetics field
Emulsifier Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can help oil and water mix, enabling the oil-soluble and water-soluble components in cosmetics to be evenly dispersed and form a stable emulsion system. For instance, in products such as face creams and lotions, polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can ensure that the products maintain a smooth and fine texture. Prevent the occurrence of stratification.
Cleanser: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate has a mild cleaning effect and can effectively remove dirt and oil from the skin surface. It is often used in the production of facial cleansers, body washes and other cleaning products, and has relatively low irritation to the skin.
Moisturizer: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, as a moisturizer, can absorb moisture from the air and lock it in the skin, keeping the skin moist and soft and enhancing its moisturizing effect.
Skin conditioner: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can improve the texture of the skin, enhance its smoothness and flexibility, and play a role in skin conditioning, making the skin feel more comfortable.
Antibacterial agent: It has a strong resistance to bacteria, molds and yeasts, and has an antibacterial effect. Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can be used in cosmetics to replace some traditional preservatives, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, making the products more natural and healthy.
Antibacterial agent: It has a strong resistance to bacteria, molds and yeasts, and has an antibacterial effect. Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can be used in cosmetics to replace some traditional preservatives, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, making the products more natural and healthy.
Auxiliary active ingredient penetration: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can promote the penetration of some active ingredients, such as vitamin C and retinol, into the stratum corneum of the skin, enhance the efficacy of these active ingredients, and improve the skin care effect of cosmetics.
Microemulsion preparation agent: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is suitable for impregnating liquid formulations without polyethylene glycol. It can form microemulsions with very fine particles and maintain stability for a long time. These microemulsion-like concentrates are easily diluted in water and can be used in cosmetic emulsions, wet wipe impregnating liquids, etc.
Food field
Emulsifier: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can be used as an emulsifier in food to make margarine, ice cream, chocolate, etc., helping to mix oil and water, and improving the texture and stability of food. For instance, in ice cream, polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can evenly disperse fat globules, preventing the phenomenon of fat floating and ice crystal growth during storage and transportation, thereby maintaining the fine texture of the ice cream.
Stabilizer: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate helps maintain the structural stability of food, preventing stratification and sedimentation during storage and transportation, and extending the shelf life of food.
Other fields
In the industrial field: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can be used as an emulsifier, dispersant and lubricant in some industrial products. For instance, in the coatings and inks industry, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can help pigments and fillers be evenly dispersed in the system, enhancing the stability and coating performance of coatings and inks. In the plastic processing industry, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate can be used as a lubricant to improve the processing performance of plastics, reduce the friction between plastic particles, and make plastics easier to mold.
The safety risk factor of polyglyceryl-4 laurate is 1, which is relatively safe. However, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is acne-causing, so consumers with sensitive skin need to be more cautious. Excessive use of polyglycerol-4-laurate may cause irritation to the skin and eyes. The maximum historical usage of rinsing products was 2.4%, and that of retention products was 2.16%. As long as it is used within these limited ranges, polyglyceryl-4 laurate usually does not pose a threat to human health.
Post time: Sep-16-2025