Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate/Caprate

AKA: Caprylic/Capric Acid Polyglyceryl Ester, Mixed Chain Emulsifier

Synthetic

Cleanser

Plant Oil

Clean

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate/Caprate is the monoester of Polyglycerin-4 and a mixture of caprylic and capric acids.

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.

Hydrotrope

Cleansing Surfactant

Surfactant Hydrotrope

Anti-Aging Benefits

Lifts away dirt and oil

Improves ingredient solubility

Traditional Use

A mixed-chain polyglyceryl emulsifier developed for balanced cleansing and conditioning properties. Designed to replace harsher surfactants in facial cleansers and micellar waters.

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-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR