Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate/Caprate

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate/Caprate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Caprylic/Capric Acid Polyglyceryl Ester, Mixed Chain Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Clean
OriginDerived from polyglycerin and a mixture of caprylic and capric acids, typically sourced from coconut or palm oils. Synthesized through esterification, chemically bonding polyglycerin-4 with the fatty acid mixture.
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate/Caprate is the monoester of Polyglycerin-4 and a mixture of caprylic and capric acids.
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hydrotrope
Cleansing Surfactant
Surfactant Hydrotrope
Anti-Aging Benefits
Lifts away dirt and oil
Improves ingredient solubility
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2023
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR