Polyglyceryl-20 Hexacaprylate

AKA: Polyglyceryl-20 Ester, Emulsifier

Synthetic

Cleanser

Not Clean

1,2,3-Propanetriol homopolymer (20 mol average), hexaoctanoate

CAS #

-

Form

Liquid

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes Impurities

Traditional Use

Developed in the late 20th century as a synthetic emulsifier and solubilizer. Created by combining polyglycerin (derived from glycerin) with caprylic acid to improve stability and texture in modern cosmetic formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️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