Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

PEG-Free Emulsifier for Oil-to-Milk Cleansers, Balms & Rinse-Off Oils

INCI Name: Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Appearance: Pale yellow to amber, viscous liquid

Solubility: Oil-dispersible; self-emulsifies on contact with water

Recommended Usage: 1% – 10%

Primary Functions: Co-emulsifier, surfactant, rinse-off aid, solubilizer (oil systems)

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate is a naturally derived, non-ionic emulsifier used to create the signature oil-to-milk transformation in cleansing oils, balms, and water-free rinse-off products. It improves rinsability, reduces greasy after-feel, and helps lift makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based residues without harsh foaming surfactants.

Common Applications

• Oil-to-milk cleansers and makeup remover oils
• Cleansing balms and butter cleansers
• Shower oils and self-emulsifying body oils
• Waterless cleansing sticks and rinse-off massage oils
• Gentle rinse-off scrubs (oil-based)

Performance & Formulation Notes

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate is optimized for anhydrous and self-emulsifying systems. It disperses into the oil phase and forms a fine emulsion during rinse-off, helping oils wash away cleanly while maintaining a mild, skin-comfort profile.

Key Benefits

• Creates a smooth “oil-to-milk” rinse-off transformation
• Improves rinsability and reduces oily residue
• PEG-free, non-ionic, and suitable for gentle cleansing concepts
• Supports modern waterless and low-waste cleansing formats
• Helps disperse oil-soluble actives, fragrances, and essential oils more uniformly

Formulation Guidance

• Use phase: Oil phase / anhydrous systems
• Typical use: 2% – 8% for oil-to-milk cleansers (adjust to desired rinse-off)
• Processing: Can be cold-processed; warming may help reduce viscosity for easier blending
• Compatibility: Works well with esters and triglycerides; performance may vary with very heavy butters/waxes
• Boosting options: Can be paired with Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate (more hydrophilic) to increase rinsability

Note: Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate is primarily used for rinse-off oil systems. For true high-water emulsions (creams/lotions), use a dedicated O/W emulsifier system.

Documents

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material for formulation use only.