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Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

What Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is & what it does

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is a non-ionic emulsifier made by combining lauric acid with polyglycerin-6, a plant-derived polyglycerol. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it helps blend oil and water phases into a stable emulsion and can also act as a mild surfactant and cleansing agent. It is valued as a gentle, plant-sourced alternative to traditional ethoxylated emulsifiers.

What does Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate do in skincare?

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is a non-ionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water into a stable, uniform emulsion. In some formulas it also works as a mild surfactant or cleansing agent. It is favored as a gentle, plant-derived option in skincare and sunscreens.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate natural or synthetic?

It is plant-derived but produced through processing. It is made by combining lauric acid, typically from plant oils, with polyglycerin-6, a polyglycerol from plant sources. This makes it a naturally sourced, processed ingredient rather than something synthetic from petroleum.

Is Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate safe?

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is widely used as a mild, gentle emulsifier in cosmetics and is generally regarded as well tolerated. Sensitivity can still vary from person to person and depends on the overall formula. If you have reactive skin, a patch test before full use is a good idea.

Sunscreens with Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

We rate 20 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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