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Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate

What Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is & what it does

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier and co-surfactant that helps blend oil and water gently. It supports skin-friendly, stable textures.

Is Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate safe in skincare?

Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and is used as a gentle, non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant. It is an ester made from glycerin and lauric acid and is often chosen for milder formulas. Those with sensitive skin can patch test a new product as a precaution.

What does Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate do in skincare?

It works mainly as an emulsifier, helping oil and water blend into a stable cream, lotion, or cleansing formula. It also has mild surfactant and cleansing properties. Polyglyceryl esters like this are often used in formulas aiming for a gentle, naturally derived feel.

Is Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate vegan?

Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate is made from glycerin and lauric acid, both of which are commonly plant-derived, so it is often suitable for vegan formulas. However, lauric acid and glycerin can in principle come from animal or plant sources, so the source depends on the supplier. A brand's vegan claim is the most reliable confirmation.

Sunscreens with Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate

We rate 11 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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