INCI Name: Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Appearance: Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid
Solubility: Oil-dispersible, self-emulsifying on contact with water
Usage Rate: 1% – 10%
Function: Emulsifier, surfactant, solubilizer, cleansing aid
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate is a naturally derived, PEG-free emulsifier ideal for creating oil-to-milk cleansing balms, emulsifying oils, and gentle rinse-off formulations. It allows oils to transform into a milky emulsion on contact with water, improving rinsability and skin feel while maintaining a mild and skin-loving profile.
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from plant-based oleic acid and polyglycerin. It works as an oil-phase emulsifier that enables oils and waxes to rinse off cleanly with water, forming a smooth, non-greasy emulsion. It is ideal for cleansing systems that don’t require synthetic surfactants or harsh foaming agents.
Add to the oil phase and blend with esters or natural oils. Combine with Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate or Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate for boosted rinsability or emulsifying strength.
Use in the oil phase. No heating required, but may be warmed to improve flow. Self-emulsifies on skin when water is added during rinse-off.
Because it’s PEG-free, mild, and skin-friendly. It creates stable oil-in-water systems without the harshness of ethoxylated emulsifiers, making it a staple in natural and sensitive-skin formulations.
It shines in oil cleansers, balms, and makeup removers. It transforms oils into milky emulsions upon contact with water, rinsing clean without stripping the skin.
Yes. It prevents oil separation and improves rinse-off in thick balms and scrubs. It also enhances pigment dispersion, which makes it useful in color cosmetics.
Absolutely. It solubilizes and disperses essential oils into oil or cleansing bases, making it ideal for natural aromatherapy products, micellar cleansers, and gentle scrubs.
It creates a luxurious “oil-to-milk” transformation in cleansers, improving spreadability and leaving a soft after-feel. Unlike some surfactants, it doesn’t over-foam or feel stripping.
You may be using an emulsifier that’s too weak or lipophilic. Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate creates a fine emulsion that lifts oils, makeup, and sunscreen while rinsing away with water.
Yes. Adding it improves the stability of oil-rich formulas, keeping oils and butters homogeneous and preventing “oily sweat-out” during storage.
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate disperses essential oils evenly in the oil phase, lowering the risk of irritation from concentrated spots and improving overall tolerance.
The emulsifier system might be too lipophilic. Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate balances oil solubilization with water rinsability, leaving skin soft instead of coated.
Yes. It’s derived from renewable vegetable oils (glycerin + oleic acid) and is often ECOCERT/COSMOS approved, making it a compliant choice for natural and organic ranges.
