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Emollient

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

A gentle plant-based emulsifier of a new generation — polyglyceryl-10 laurate is a standard in clean beauty and Japanese skincare. It provides stable light emulsions and has a pleasant skin feel without stickiness or greasiness.

emulsifierclean beautyplant-basedlight texture
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of polyglycerin (10 units of glycerin) and lauric acid (C12, coconut oil). In INCI: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. HLB ~15 — inclined towards the aqueous phase, well-suited for o/w emulsions. A PEG-free alternative to polysorbates, widely used in Japanese and K-beauty cosmetics.

Emulsifier and solubilizer in light creams, lotions, lipophilic toners, and oil-based products with an aqueous dispersion. Stabilizes o/w and clear emulsions without synthetic PEG components. Popular in sustainable and clean label formulas.

Key Benefits

✦
Stable emulsions without PEG
Polyglyceryl-10 laurate can replace PEG-derived emulsifiers (polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80) in many light formulas. Stability depends on the entire emulsifier system, oil phase, pH, and production technology.
◈
Light feel and quick absorption
Low molecular weight and lipophilic nature provide a light oil feel on the skin without greasiness or residue. Especially valued in Japanese moisturizing oils and light fluid creams.
✧
Support for the preservative system
The lauric fragment may provide a supportive antimicrobial contribution to the formula, but Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is not a standalone preservative. It should be considered as an emulsifier and solubilizer, not as an antiseptic active.

Suitable for

for all skin typesfor sensitive skinfor oily skin

Main Actions

✓ emulsification✓ solubilization✓ formula stabilization✓ light skin feel
PEG-free refers to the formula format, not a guarantee of gentleness.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is often chosen for PEG-free and clean label products, but the PEG-free label does not automatically make a product better or safer. For sensitive skin, concentration, combination with other surfactants/emulsifiers, fragrances, and overall formula gentleness are important.

CategoryEmollients
Found in these products
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate do for skin?
Emulsifier and solubilizer in light creams, lotions, lipophilic toners, and oil-based products with an aqueous dispersion. Stabilizes o/w and clear emulsions without synthetic PEG components. Popular in sustainable and clean label formulas.
Who should use Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate?
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is suitable for: for all skin types, for sensitive skin, for oily skin.
Are there any warnings about Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate?
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is often chosen for PEG-free and clean label products, but the PEG-free label does not automatically make a product better or safer. For sensitive skin, concentration, combination with other surfactants/emulsifiers, fragrances, and overall formula gentlene

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