Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate is a nonionic polyglycerol ester of stearic acid. It structures oil-in-water blends, stabilizes emulsions, and gives lotions, creams, and cleansers a soft, velvety texture.
An emulsifier that gives lotions a light, silky, non-tacky feel.
Category
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Type
Emulsifier
Ratings
Overall Rating
Great
Comedogenic Risk
None
Not typically evaluated for comedogenicity — no standardized rating available.
Our take
Is Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate a Good Ingredient?
Great rating as it consistently stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and improves texture, with a nonionic nature linked to a low likelihood of irritation. It shows good formulation stability and compatibility across a range of skincare formats.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Provides a light, silky application and helps cut down on tackiness. Leaves daily care products feeling comfortable and easy to wear.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Common in facial lotions, gel-cream moisturizers, and milky cleansers to keep textures elegant. Also used in hand creams for a smooth, quick-absorbing finish.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally considered low irritation at normal use levels, though sensitive skin may experience mild, temporary discomfort. Avoid direct eye contact and patch test if easily reactive. No widely recognized regulatory constraints for cosmetic use.