Polyglyceryl-4 oleate

Polyglyceryl-4 oleate is a nonionic emulsifier made from polyglycerol and oleic acid. Its lipophilic character supports water-in-oil emulsions, while its surface activity helps bring oil and water into contact during application and rinsing. The oleate portion also contributes emollient character and improves spreading in oil-rich cosmetic systems.

The ingredient is normally supplied as a viscous yellow to amber liquid and incorporated with the oil phase. Commercial polyglyceryl esters contain a distribution of related ester structures rather than one uniform small molecule. This single-INCI ingredient differs from polyglyceryl-4 oleate copolymer emulsifiers and from emulsifier blends containing additional fatty-acid esters; their formulation behavior cannot be assumed to be identical.

Typical Applications

• Water-in-oil creams and lotions: Used as an emulsifier in oil-continuous moisturizing products. It helps distribute the internal water phase through the external oil phase and contributes the spreading characteristics of the oil-rich formula.
• Rinseable cleansing oils and balms: Used in oil-based cleansers where the product must combine with added water during massage and rinsing. The surfactant helps disperse the oily phase carrying dissolved makeup and sebum into the rinse water.

Specifications

Specifications describe the standard grade. Tolerance, test method and documentation package are confirmed per order.