murphyPolyglyceryl-20 Docosabehenate/Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyglyceryl-20 Ester, Emulsifier
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from polyglycerin combined with behenic acid (from plant oils) and lauric acid (coconut/palm source). Synthesized through esterification, bonding the fatty acids to polyglycerin backbone via catalytic reaction.
Polyglyceryl-20 Docosabehenate/Laurate is the docosaester of Polyglycerin-20 with a mixture of behenic and lauric acids.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR