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.

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